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Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemen’s government forces has intensified, with at least 63 people killed in clashes and Saudi airstrikes over the past 24 hours.
Civilian casualties have also increased in several parts of the country as the conflict escalates, prompting the United Nations to warn of a worsening humanitarian situation.
Citing military sources, AFP reported the latest casualties, according to Middle East Eye.
A Yemeni government official said at least 23 government soldiers were killed in Houthi missile and drone attacks in two southwestern provinces.
Meanwhile, a Houthi military source said 40 of its fighters were killed in Saudi airstrikes and ground battles.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned that the humanitarian situation was deteriorating further as fighting spread.
Dujarric said the UN human rights office had verified 55 civilian casualties, including 16 deaths, in 19 incidents in Taiz, Hodeidah, Marib and Lahij provinces since the beginning of the month.
Among those killed were 10 children, he said, adding that the actual number of casualties could be significantly higher.
Dujarric also said humanitarian operations were being hampered by restrictions on aid access, funding shortages and security incidents affecting humanitarian facilities.
The latest escalation adds to the challenges facing Yemen, where years of conflict have already created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
