05 Sep 2018 | 10:09 PM UTC
Yemen: Protests in multiple cities September 5 /update 3
Protests over economic conditions continue in multiple cities September 5, including Aden; large protest over Saudi-led coalition attack also reported in Saada
Event
Protests in Aden and other cities continued on Wednesday, September 5, as demonstrators mobilized against the poor economic situation in the country. Protesters reportedly blocked roads with burning tires, causing significant transportation disruptions in Aden. Separately, in Mukalla (Hadhramaut governorate), protesters blocked the main roads of that city. Local officials indicate that seven protesters have been wounded. Further protests are likely in the coming days.
In an unrelated protest in Saada on Wednesday, thousands of people marched against the Saudi-led coalition that backs the Yemeni government in Yemen's ongoing civil war. The protesters called for prosecution of coalition forces for an August airstrike that killed at least 43 people, the majority of whom were children. Protesters also rejected a Saudi offer to pay compensation to families of victims of the strike.
Context
Protests have been staged nationwide against the government and the Arab coalition due to poor economic and living conditions, as well as the rising price of consumer goods. Since the beginning of the civil war in 2015, the Yemeni rial has lost half of its value. Combined with a decrease in imports caused in part to the siege of Al-Hudaydah, commodity prices have increased by 30 to 40 percent. Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.
Advice
Individuals in Aden are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
