Airstrikes cause civilian losses in Yemen

(Xinhua) Updated: 2015-03-31 09:53

Huge plumes of smoke rise above buildings during airstrikes allegedly carried out by the Saudi-led alliance on a weapons storage depot in Sanaa, Yemen, March 30, 2015. [Photo/IC]

SANAA/RIYADH - Days of Saudi-backed airstrikes against Yemen's Shiite Houthi group has seen accumulated chaos and bloodshed as more countries have moved to evacuate their nationals from the crisis-engulfed Middle East nation.

In capital Sanaa, as well as in other key provinces, bombing has become almost a daily routine since the air campaign was launched almost a week ago.

The air raids kept going around the clock on weapons depots and missiles bases on mountains overlooking the capital, as well as al-Dailami Airforce Base in northern Sanaa.

Huge explosions rocked the capital as smoke and fire could be seen at the targeted sites. There is no immediate report on casualties.

Official Saba news agency, which is controlled by the Houthis, reported Saturday that death toll from the airstrikes over the past four days rose to 48, with 157 injured.

The ten-nation coalition bombed on Monday a local displaced refugee camp in northern Yemen, killing more than 40 people and injuring 250 others, said Yemen's defense ministry, which is controlled by the Houthi militias.

The ministry said that there are 4,000 people sheltering in the camp, which is located at al-Mazrak area in Haradh district on the northwest borders with Saudi Arabia. The casualties included women and children, the ministry added without providing further details.

However, Yemen's fleeing government accused the Houthis of being responsible for the deaths of those innocent civilians.