UNITED NATIONS: The Humanitarian Secretary-General for Yemen has condemned an attack on passenger buses in Yemen’s Hudaydah governorate and called on warring parties “to do everything possible” to protect civilians.

“This is a horrific incident,” said Lise Grande, the UN’s Humanitarian Coor­dinator for Yemen, in a press release.

At a press briefing on Monday, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, Stephen Djhurric declined to say, whether the attack was the result of Saudi-led coalition air strikes.

“The UN agencies working in Yemen unequivocally condemn the attack on civilians and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” she added

Ms Grande also reiterated that under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict are obliged to respect the principles of precaution, proportionality and distinction

At least 15 civilians were reported killed and 20 others injured when the minibuses they were travelling in were struck in Jabal Ras district in Yemen’s western Hudaydah governorate, on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2018