UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein has voiced concern that the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates-led military operation in Yemen could endanger millions of civilians, as the coalition continues to pound Houthi fighters in the port of Hodaida.
“I emphasize my grave worry regarding the Saudi and Emirati-led coalition’s ongoing attacks in Hodaida—which could result in enormous civilian casualties and have a disastrous impact on life-saving humanitarian aid to millions of people which comes through the port,” Hussein said on Monday, Al Jazeera reported.
He was speaking at the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where he gave an overview of the overall human rights situation, while denouncing the threat of growing “chauvinistic nationalism” around the world.
On Monday, coalition Apache attack helicopters pounded Houthi positions, as civilians fled in search of shelter from the biggest battle of the war in three years.
The attack reportedly targeted Houthi snipers and fighters near Hodaida’s airport compound, residents said, in fighting that has wounded dozens of civilians and prevented aid organizations from reaching parts of the city.
The battle for Hodaida, launched six days ago, could drag on, inflicting more suffering for civilians who have already endured airstrikes, port blockades, hunger and a cholera epidemic.
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