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1st LD Writethru: UN chief slams deadly airstrikes in Yemeni port city

Xinhua, September 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned the multiple airstrikes by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition on Sept. 21 in the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah, Yemen, which killed and injured dozens of people, including children and women.

The secretary-general said, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, "once again reminds all parties to the conflict that they must fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the fundamental rules of distinction, proportionality and precaution."

"He reiterates his call for urgent measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure," the statement said.

At least 25 people have been killed and 70 others wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in the Yemeni port city, reports said. The raid took place late on Wednesday reportedly against a presidential palace used by the Houthi rebel movement, but missiles also hit neighboring houses.

"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 said.

"The secretary-general also urges all parties to recommit to the terms and conditions of the 10 April cessation of hostilities," the statement said.

"Stressing that a negotiated political settlement that addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties remains the only viable solution to the conflict, he calls for a new round of peace negotiations facilitated by his Special Envoy for Yemen," the statement added.

Houthis seized al-Hodayda, the capital Sanaa and half of the north Yemen on Sept. 21, 2014, forcing internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.

The move triggered a military airforce intervention by the Saudi-led coalition in March 2015, to fight back the rebels and restore Hadi and his government to the capital.

Houthis is still in full control of most northern cities despite intensified 18-month war to roll back their gains.

The outbreak of war prompted foreign countries to close their embassies and evacuate their staff.

The war has since killed more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, injured about 35,000 others and displaced over 3 million, according to statistics from humanitarian agencies. Endit