This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
At least 40 people have been killed and 260 others injured in clashes between pro-government forces and separatists in Yemen's second city, Aden, the United Nations said on Sunday, August 11, 2019.
The fighting, which broke out on August 8, has caused widespread destruction and put civilians in harm's way, according to the UN.
"It is heart-breaking that during Eid al-Adha, families are mourning the death of their loved ones instead of celebrating together in peace and harmony," said Lise Grande, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen.
Grande urged the warring parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian organizations to access the affected areas.
"Families need to be able to move freely and safely to secure the things they need to survive," she said.
The clashes are between fighters of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and combatants from the so-called Security Belt trained by the United Arab Emirates, who are dominated by separatists seeking an independent south.
The Yemeni government and separatists have both backed a call for a ceasefire and dialogue, but the Southern Transitional Council (STC) vice president, Hani bin Breik, said his group will not negotiate under threat.
