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UN chief slams heavy weapon attacks in Yemeni city of Taiz

Xinhua, June 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned heavy weapons attacks on a busy market in the Yemni city of Taiz, which reportedly killed at least 17 civilians, and called for "an independent investigation to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable."

"The secretary-general condemns the attacks with heavy weapons, including rockets, mortars and artillery in Taiz," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

Rocket fire reportedly hit a busy market in the city, the statement said. "Attacks directed against civilians and populated areas, including markets, are strictly prohibited."

Ban underscored to all parties that "targeting civilian areas is a violation of international humanitarian law and urges them to fully respect their obligations in this regard," the statement said. "The secretary-general calls for an independent investigation to ensure that perpetrators are hold accountable."

The rockets were fired by Shiite rebels, known as Houthis who are besieging the city. They struck at around 3:30 p.m.(local time) on Friday, when Taiz residents were shopping in preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is due to start next week. At least 30 people were wounded and the death toll was expected to rise, reports said.

"The secretary-general continues to urge all parties to the conflict to cease all military activities in accordance with the nationwide cessation of hostilities," the statement said. "He further calls on them to refrain from any actions that could result in further civilian casualties. It is particularly regrettable that Taiz continues to pay a heavy toll in civilian losses despite the cessation of hostilities."

Meanwhile, the secretary-general called on those participating in the peace talks in Kuwait "to negotiate in good faith and urgently work with" his special envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, "to bring a peaceful end to this devastating conflict," the statement said. "In this same spirit, he also urges the importance of the immediate release of prisoners and detainees."

The secretary-general expresses his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured, the statement added. Enditem