Taiz:Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani has condemned the Houthi attacks on civilians and the ongoing siege of the southwestern city of Taiz, labeling them as a 'war crime.' He emphasized that those responsible would face accountability and punishment, according to a statement from his office shared on social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Zindani's remarks were made during a conversation with Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan, focusing on the humanitarian situation, public services, and the impact of the siege on the city.

Governor Shamsan informed the prime minister about the dire humanitarian and human rights conditions in Taiz, highlighting violations against residents. The briefing included details on restricted access to food, medicine, water, fuel, and essential services, alongside attacks on residential areas causing civilian casualties, including women and children, and the shelling of vital infrastructure and health facilities.

Al-Zindani assured that the government is working with local authorities to address the consequences of the siege and the Houthi escalation, pledging that the residents of Taiz would not be left to handle these challenges alone. He called on the international community, the United Nations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations to take urgent action to lift the siege and protect civilians.

The prime minister also urged for continued media and human rights efforts to highlight the humanitarian plight of Taiz at both domestic and international levels, calling for professional documentation of the violations attributed to the Houthis.

There has been no comment from the Houthi group on these allegations. Meanwhile, Yemeni human rights and humanitarian organizations have reported that the Houthis have blocked most roads leading to government-controlled areas in Taiz province.

This escalation occurs amidst ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has persisted since the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in September 2014. This led to a Saudi-led coalition intervention in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The situation has intensified recently, with attacks on Saudi civilian facilities following a period of relative calm after a UN-brokered truce in April 2022.