Local Editor
The Red Cross has rejected Saudi Arabia’s letter ordering them and all humanitarian groups out of Houthi-controlled northern Yemen, saying their mission often requires going into dangerous areas, and that they remain committed to aiding civilians across Yemen.
A recent UN report concluded the Saudis have been "systematically" targeting civilians in Yemen, declaring their behavior a crime against humanity.
The letter went public on Saturday when the UN aid agency reported receiving the letter, and similarly rejected the demand to stay out of Houthi territory, while warning the Saudis that international law obliges them to allow humanitarian aid groups to access war zones.
The Saudis have been taken to task repeatedly by humanitarian groups for the massive civilian death toll of their air war on Yemen, and for using their naval blockade of the Yemeni coast to limit food shipments into the country, which relies almost exclusively on food imports.
That was followed up by a Saudi pledge to seek US and British help in limiting civilian casualties. It is unclear what has resulted from that, however, except the letter ordering aid workers away from those civilians.
Saudi Arabia began its deadly campaign against Yemen in late March 2015. The strikes were meant to undermine the Houthi Ansarullah movement and restore power to fugitive former president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
About 8,300 people have been killed and over 16,000 injured since Riyadh launched the airstrikes. The Saudi aggression has also taken a heavy toll on Yemen’s facilities and infrastructure.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
