Fighting in Aden, Yemen: Vital lifelines, both by air and sea, are at risk of being cut off

Save the Children, 30th August 

Jason Lee, Acting Country Director of Save the Children in Yemen, said:

“Staff on the ground tell us that people are terrified. The situation escalated so quickly that they didn't have the chance to evacuate their homes or get supplies like food or clean water, and shops have closed. The situation is very tense; people are scared of what will happen next. Warplanes were heard while shelling and bombs exploded on the ground – bombs that kill, maim and destroy indiscriminately.

“These are extremely scary circumstances for adults, let alone children. They have no part in this devastating conflict that has been ravaging the country for over four years now, but they are suffering from the violence every day. They have been injured, seen their parents, siblings or friends killed. They have been displaced and their schools have been destroyed or closed.

“The recent escalation of violence in Aden is a clear indication that once more, political and military interests are overriding the well-being and safety of the Yemeni people. Since 28^thAugust, Aden airport has been temporarily closed, and flights suspended. The port of Aden is vital for the import and distribution of basic supplies across Yemen, and insecurity threatens its operation. It is highly concerning that vital lifelines, both by air and sea, are at risk of being cut off.

“Save the Children is calling for parties in Aden to show restraint and de-escalate tensions for the sake of the approximately 1.1 million civilians living in Aden, some 70 percent of whom are already in need of support.”

 

George Graham, Save the Children’s Director of Conflict Advocacy, said:

“Save the children has helped more than three million children in Yemen since the war began. And Brits can be incredibly proud that UK Aid is saving lives across the country. But our government can do much more to end the suffering - it can help create peace for Yemen’s children.

“At the end of 2018 the UK helped bring the different sides together for talks. Some real progress was made but eight months later the war rages on. It is critical the UK leads the way back to the negotiating table.”

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

• Aden airport is one of only two international airports open for commercial use in Yemen. 
• Through the first half of 2019, Save the Children supported 206,000 people in Aden– more than half of whom are children through programmes designed to keep children safe, healthy and educated. 
• These activities stand to be constrained without staff and beneficiaries being able to move freely and safely. It is important the NGOs and civilians have unhindered access to all parts of Yemen to address needs where they exist. 
• Donate to Save the Children’s Yemen appeal