Saudi-backed air strikes continue to pound rebel positions. One hit an airport in the western port city of Hudaydah. Another killed at least four families when it reduced homes in Bani Matar to rubble. Saudi Arabia and its allies aim to continue their strikes until rebels surrender and hand over their weapons. The Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sanaa, last September, and have steadily been taking large parts of the country.
The United Nations Security Council is considering Russia’s call for a pause in Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen. The council’s president, Dina Kawar, who is also Jordan’s UN ambassador, said members needed time to “reflect on the proposal”. The air strikes against Shia Houthi rebels continued for an 11th night on Saturday. The Red Cross has called for a 24-hour ceasefire to bring in desperately needed medical supplies.
The Red Cross on Saturday called for an immediate 24-hour ceasefire in battle-torn Yemen, saying many more people recently wounded in airstrikes and ground fighting will die if not tended to soon.
The call came just before the U.N. Security Council met late Saturday morning to discuss the situation in the Arabian Peninsula nation, where Shiite rebels are pitted against external Arab air forces and fighters loyal to Yemen’s displaced Sunni president.
A pause was needed especially in and near the southern Yemeni port city of Aden, where intense fighting has happened in the past two weeks, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. Food, water, medical items and personnel need to get into these areas, the group said.
