ZCZC
BFF-20
YEMEN-CONFLICT
5 killed in heavy fighting in Yemen’s Taez: MSF
DUBAI, April 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Five people have been killed and dozens
wounded in Yemen’s third city of Taez, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said
Tuesday after clashes erupted between various pro-government factions.
“Heavy fighting has once again resumed inside Taez,” a city just inland
from the Red Sea port of Mokha, MSF wrote on Twitter.
“MSF supported facilities have received some 91 wounded and recorded five
deaths directly related to the fighting,” since April 19, it added.
The medical charity added the clashes are preventing patients from reaching
an MSF supported hospital in the city — the only facility providing maternal
healthcare to Taez residents.
The city is under siege by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels but controlled by
pro-government forces, who are backed by a military coalition led by Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people — most of
them civilians — have been killed and more than 60,000 wounded since the
alliance intervened in March 2015.
Rights group estimate the toll could be much higher.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1455 hrs