Saudi Arabia Warns UN Forces in Yemen

Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has warned international aid workers and UN forces to evacuate from areas controlled by Houthi Shiite militants in Yemen to protect their personnel. Reuters reported on Thursday, February 11, that it has obtained a copy of this short letter from the Saudi embassy in London. The Saudi embassy in London stated that this request was made to safeguard international organizations and their staff. Abdullah Al-Maallami, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Nations, told Reuters that the reason Riyadh sent this letter is due to concerns for the 'safety' of UN forces and other aid organizations. Al-Maallami stated, 'We want them to leave areas that are clearly targets of attacks.' Saudi Arabia and eight other Arab countries have been conducting airstrikes against the positions of Houthi Shiite militants and supporters of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh for nearly a year. This coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, seeks to restore Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen, to power. Houthi militants and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Saleh control the capital and a large part of Yemen. Stephen O'Brien, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, confirmed that he received the letter from the Saudi embassy. O'Brien stated that international aid organizations will continue their efforts to provide assistance to the needy people throughout Yemen. However, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs noted that Saudi Arabia is obligated to facilitate conditions for humanitarian assistance based on its international commitments. According to Reuters, diplomats have stated that the UN Security Council is set to discuss the humanitarian situation in Yemen at Russia's request next Tuesday. Since the beginning of Saudi and other Arab countries' airstrikes in Yemen, approximately 6,000 people have been killed, half of whom were civilians.