Millions of Yemenis will bear the brunt of attacks on critical civilian infrastructure
Sana’a, Yemen (PANA) - Some 59 organisations operating in Yemen have voiced concern over escalation of war on civilians.
International and national organisations delivering humanitarian aid in Yemen are deeply concerned about the airstrikes on critical civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a International Airport, power stations in Sana’a and Hodeidah Governorates, and seaports in and near Hodeidah.
These attacks on vital infrastructure serve as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, particularly the need to protect critical civilian air and maritime gateways that are indispensable to the survival of millions of Yemenis.
Sana’a airport remains a crucial lifeline for Yemenis seeking to travel - including for lifesaving overseas medical treatment - only made possible when limited flights resumed in May 2022 following almost six years of blockade.
The airport is also a much-needed delivery point for humanitarian aid in a country where around half of the population (anticipated to rise from 18 million to 19.5 million people in 2025) are in need of assistance - 77 per cent of whom are women and children.
Last Thursday’s airstrikes on Sana’a Airport departures terminal, runway and control tower came at a time when scores of civilian passengers, humanitarian workers, and a high-level UN delegation were present, resulting in civilian casualties.
Damaging electricity infrastructure is of particular concern in a country suffering from one of the world’s lowest levels of electricity connectivity, with millions of Yemenis relying on costly private electricity supply.
Targeting power stations in and around Sana’a and Hodeidah, will place a heavier burden on Yemeni households, water infrastructure, livelihoods sources and the already fragile health system including hospitals.
With ensuing power cuts in Hodeidah, the main kidney dialysis centre was incapacitated for hours, demonstrating the immediate consequences on human lives, said the Norwegian RefugeeCouncil.
Seaports in Hodeidah Governorate are essential import terminals for lifesaving and life-sustaining humanitarian aid, basic food items such as wheat and rice on which millions of Yemeni civilians rely on for survival, as well as fuel.
Yemen depends overwhelmingly on imports through vital ports, including in Hodeidah, with nearly 90 per cent of people in Yemen relying on food imports. After devastating flooding this summer severely impacted crop production, Yemenis are even more reliant on food imports and emergency aid to combat crisis levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above).
“We call on all actors to adhere to international humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure that provide critical essential services indispensable for the survival of millions of civilians in Yemen. The consequences of attacks on civilian facilities will be severe and long-lasting for Yemeni civilians, already suffering exhaustion from a decade-long conflict,” said a joint statement by the humanitarian aid orgamisations.
“We call on all parties to prioritise dialogue and negotiation, refraining from attacks that endanger civilian lives, destroy crucial civilian infrastructure, and deepen regional instability. We further urge every actor to de-escalate, recognising that it is civilians in Yemen who pay the ultimate costs.”
-0- PANA AR/MA 2Jan2025
