Arab Coalition Airstrikes Leave '40 Dead' in Market in Sana'a

According to reports from Yemen, following airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition on a market in Sana'a on March 8, '40 people have been killed.' Reuters states that this attack occurred in a northeastern area of Yemen's capital, and at least 30 others have been injured. These reports are based on statements from local residents, who also say that most of the victims are 'civilians.' The Associated Press also initially reported the death toll as at least 30, primarily civilians. The Saudi-led coalition has not yet responded to these reports. The recent attack occurred one day after humanitarian and human rights groups urged Western countries not to sell arms to Saudi Arabia. The European Parliament also passed a statement on March 6, calling for the European Union to impose arms sanctions on Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition is engaged in battles with Houthi rebels and supporters of Ali Abdullah Saleh, claiming its goal is to restore power to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen, who lost power following last year's uprisings and has since resided in Riyadh. Iranian officials have repeatedly expressed their support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Reuters reports that Riyadh considers the Houthis to be an Iranian proxy group, which is seen as Saudi Arabia's main rival in the region. The Houthis and Ali Abdullah Saleh have also accused the coalition of conducting an 'aggressive war.' According to the United Nations, since the coalition's attacks began, which were initiated following the advance of the rebels in Aden, at least 6,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.