Yemen: Artillery shelling in Taiz (Taiz governorate) kills six April 5

Event

Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Iryani announced that at least six women were killed and 28 others injured after an artillery shelling hit the city of Taiz (Taiz governorate) on Sunday, April 5. The shelling, reportedly fired by Houthi militia, targeted the central prison located in the al-Dhabab area.

Similar attacks are to be expected in Yemen over the near term.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered 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

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.