UN agencies condemn attack on passenger buses in Hodeidah

SANAA, Oct. 13 (YPA) – The UN agencies working in Yemen unequivocally condemn the attack on civilians in the province of Hodeidah.

In a statement, the humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Liz Grande, said ” this is a horrific incident.”

At least 15 civilians were killed and 20 others wounded when minibuses they were traveling in were struck in Jabal Ras district in Yemen’s western Hodeidah province, on Saturday.

Ms. Grande also reiterated that under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict are obliged to respect the principles of precaution, proportionality and distinction.

“Belligerents must do everything possible to protect civilians – not hurt, maim, injure or kill them,” added the UN official.

A number of injured have been transported to the towns of Zabid and Bait Faqiah where they are being treated at hospitals supported by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, as well as other UN agencies are standby to provide whatever other assistance may be needed, noted the news release.

According to humanitarian organizations, some 170 people have been killed and over 1,700 injured in Hodeidah since fighting escalated in June 2018. Furthermore, more than 425,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.