UN condemns Houthi attacks in southern Saudi Arabia: spokesperson

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations condemns the cross-border attacks by the Houthis in Yemen against multiple sites in southern Saudi Arabia, which affected civilian and energy infrastructure, said a UN spokesperson on Tuesday.

The world body also expresses deep concern over reports of civilian casualties in the attacks, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The United Nations is equally concerned by the intensification of military clashes across multiple front lines within Yemen, particularly reports of possible civilian casualties resulting from the fighting, said the spokesperson.

"We call upon the parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation, and further urge them to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to refrain from directing attacks against civilians or civilian infrastructure, and to take constant care to spare the civilian population, civilians, as well as civilian objects," Dujarric said.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg continues engaging directly with the parties with the aim of containing the current escalation and preserving space for dialogue. Continued military escalation risks devastating political, economic and security ramifications for Yemen. The parties should engage constructively with UN-led political efforts, said the spokesperson.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said an escalation in fighting in Yemen is devastating communities already struggling to survive after more than a decade of conflict.

More than 5,600 households have been displaced across Taiz governorate and southern Al Hodeidah governorate since the escalation in fighting on Thursday. At least 11 civilian casualties have been reported in the last week, including two children killed and nine people injured, said the office.

In Marib governorate, there are reports that shelling struck displacement sites over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 15 other people. Shelters have been destroyed and families forced to sleep in the open, it said.

Humanitarians are mobilizing to respond, said OCHA. As of Monday, partners have reached 2,340 households, mainly in Taiz, as well as Marib and Abyan, with emergency supplies. Reaching many people in need remains a major challenge.

The world body urgently needs funding to scale up the response. The humanitarian appeal for Yemen, which requires 2.2 billion US dollars, remains just 20 percent funded, said OCHA.

The United Nations calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law. They must protect civilians, including by allowing them to move to safer areas, and must facilitate unimpeded access for humanitarian relief to reach all those in dire need, said the office.