Sanaa Health Minister: Int’l silence encourages Saudi Arabia to continue targeting civilians
SANAA, Sept. 28 (YPA) – Health Minister in the Sanaa-based government Dr. Ali Shiban said continued international silence, a double standards policy and turning a blind eye had contributed to Saudi Arabia’s continued targeting of civilians and committing further crimes, making the United Nations and all its affiliated bodies complicit in those crimes.
At a news conference held in the capital, Sanaa, on Monday, Minister Shiban explained that Saudi military operations had gone beyond all humanitarian and ethical considerations, targeting civilian objects including markets, schools, hospitals, cemeteries and bridges in an unprecedented manner.
Mawiyah Junction Massacre
Shiban pointed to the bloody massacre committed by coalition aircraft on Sunday when they targeted a central market at Mawiyah Junction in Al-Taiziyah district of Taiz province, during peak hours, describing it as conclusive evidence of the direct targeting of civilians.
He added that the final toll from the attack stood at seven martyrs and 43 injured, including five children, stressing that the aircraft had taken off from Saudi airports.
The health minister rejected claims attributed to Saudi-backed factions that they possess aircraft, describing such allegations as a lie through which Riyadh seeks to absolve itself of responsibility.
He called on various media outlets to conduct field visits and verify the scene of the attack.
Toll of Recent Escalation
The minister disclosed figures for the ongoing escalation from September 3 through September 27, during which the total number of casualties reached 174 killed and injured, most of them women and children. The casualties were recorded across Taiz, Jawf, Hodeida, Ibb, Saada, Hajjah and Sanaa provinces. He also noted that three new injuries were recorded in shelling targeting Amran province.
Calls for International Accountability
Concluding his remarks, Shiban strongly condemned UN complicity and double standards, calling for an end to the selective application of international law and for Saudi Arabia to be returned to the list of shame.
He stressed that such crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations and that victims’ rights must not be sacrificed under any political pressure.
He also held the United Nations responsible for loss of life resulting from the imposed blockade, restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical supplies, and the continued closure of Sanaa International Airport.
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