UN Commissioner Expresses Concern Over Escalating Hostilities in Yemen, Calls for De-escalation

Geneva, August 17 (KUNA) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed his concern on Monday over the escalation of hostilities by the Houthi militias in Yemen, which has led to a rising number of civilian casualties, calling for restraint and an immediate de-escalation. In a statement from Geneva, Türk urged a reduction in tensions and sought to spare the Yemeni people from further suffering, calling on all parties to immediately halt any actions that could draw Yemen into a broader conflict. He also demanded that the parties to the conflict comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and refrain from directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects. The statement reported that 17 civilians were killed in Houthi attacks in areas under the control of the Yemeni government since August 6, in addition to two casualties in areas controlled by the militias in late July. It added that Houthi missile and drone attacks on the port of Al-Mukha in Ta’izz province on August 9 resulted in the deaths of three port workers and injured four others, among other attacks. The statement confirmed that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is verifying reports of further Houthi militia attacks on the Al-Mukha port on August 14 and 15, which are believed to have caused civilian casualties. Emphasizing the urgent need to stop the attacks, the UN official warned that targeting civilian infrastructure would deepen the suffering of civilians, noting that at least 18 million Yemenis are already facing food insecurity. (End) A.M.Kh./N.S.A.