SANA'A (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) deplores the intensive airstrike campaign on densely populated neighbourhoods of Sana'a since the beginning of this week, claiming the lives of civilians.
At least five 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 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 sound was horrific. Nothing like what I have heard before. I was so scared I did not know how to deal with my diabetic wife and panicking daughters. I did not know how to comfort them," said Abu Mohammed, a father of 5 and a resident of Jwar al-Ordi.
"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.
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.
"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.
For more information please contact:
Mirella HODEIB, ICRC Sana'a, +967 736071967
Adnan HIZAM, ICRC Sana'a, +967 73 372 1659
Iolanda JAQUEMET, ICRC GVA, + +41 79 447 3726
