In Yemen, more than 80 people have been killed in an air raid on a camp for displaced people in the northern parts of the country. Witnesses said, many of those killed in the raid, which took place in Amran province were women, children and old people. Reports say, the jet fighter targeted rebels who were firing while hiding among the displaced people. Government forces have been trying to contain a growing insurgency in the area by Shia rebels known as Houthis. Fighting has intensified since the Yemeni army launched an operation targeting the rebels in mid-August.The news of air raid has come amid continuing fight between the Yemeni army and Shiite rebels. The fighting intensified after the collapse of a ceasefire, which took place on 4th of this month and lasted only for four hours. The Government declared the ceasefire following the call by United Nations refugee agency to allow the civilians to come out from the area.The Zaydis, who are also called Houthis, are a Shia ethnic group who are in majority in northern Yemen and government accuses them of attempting to restore a Zaydi Imamate system in the region.Local and international aid groups have warned of worsening humanitarian conditions of civilians displaced by the latest flare-up of fighting and now living in refugee camps. The United Nations says more than 50,000 people have been displaced so far due to clashes in the region and northern Saada.
News On AIR | September 17, 2009 10:03 PM
Over 80 civilians killed in Yemen air-raid