Red Cross warns intensified ground fighting heightens civilian suffering in Yemen

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday warned that the recent spike in hostilities, including intense ground fighting, has increased the suffering of civilians in Yemen.

"The suffering of the civilian population has reached unprecedented levels. More than 100 days into the crisis, severe shortages of water, food and fuel continue across the country, together with airstrikes and fighting on the ground," said Antoine Grand, head of the ICRC delegation in Yemen.

He said the last two weeks have seen an intensification of fighting in the southern governorates of Aden and Taiz where it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to reach affected areas, to evacuate the dead and the wounded and to provide life-saving assistance.

"We remain ready to facilitate the evacuation of the dead and wounded -- as we are currently doing in both Aden and Taiz -- and to visit detainees on both sides, but all parties must facilitate our access and respect our mandate," he added.

At a time when humanitarian needs are ever more acute, ICRC called on all parties to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to allow humanitarian organizations to carry out their work in a completely impartial and independent manner.

ICRC also urged all parties must also take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. In addition, they must ensure that all the sick and wounded, including prisoners, are treated and cared for, without discrimination.

ICRC is committed to helping people in Aden and elsewhere in the country. The organization currently has 262 staff in Yemen. Endit