ICRC deplores the loss of civilian life in airstrikes on densely populated neighborhoods of Sana’a

SANAA, May 9 (YPA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) deplores the intensive airstrike campaign on densely populated neighborhoods of Sana’a since the beginning of this week, claiming the lives of civilians.

In a statement obtained by Yemen Press Agency, the organization said that at least six civilians were killed, including one child, and dozens were injured in airstrikes that targeted the area near the presidential office in Sana’a on 7 May.

The ICRC indicated to the night before, explosions shook Jwar al-Ordi, another densely populated area in Sana’a close to the historical old city. Residents of the area reported heavy damage to property and civilian infrastructure.

The ICRC was very quick to respond to the influx of casualties at Sana’a hospitals, dispatching two war wounded kits, enough to treat 100 severely wounded persons to Al- Joumhouri and Al-Thawra hospitals, shortly after the Monday blasts, the statement added.

“It is heartbreaking to see that civilians in Yemen are constantly paying the highest price in this never-ending conflict,” said Robert Mardini, the ICRC’s regional director for the Near and Middle East, who is currently on a visit to Yemen.

“We at the ICRC will continue to urge all the parties to the conflict to respect the laws of war and take every precaution to spare and protect civilians,” he added.

“Today 8 May, we mark Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. It is an irony of fate that we commemorate World Red Cross and Red Crescent day of 2018 in Yemen, at a time when the rules that govern the conduct of hostilities are not high enough on the priority list of warring sides,” Mardini said.

Source: ICRC

E.M