Yemen: Escalation of armed clashes in Aden

Fighting in Aden between the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the Aden-based Government of Yemen has continued into the third day. After a night of heavy shelling, some normalcy returned on 30 January to Khor Maksar area, where the UN offices are located, but sporadic shooting could still be heard. Heavy clashes were reported in Dar Saad and Crater areas, with the STC reportedly taking over the 4th Presidential Guards Base in Dar Saad.

Since the fighting erupted on 28 January, 36 people have reportedly been killed and 185 have been wounded. It is not clear how many of these are civilian casualties. Humanitarian operations at the Aden hub have slowed down significantly as movements to and outside Aden remain suspended.

** Implications on the humanitarian situation**

• The humanitarian response has been delayed by the violence. Plans by partners to undertake routine humanitarian activities including vaccination and field missions to Al Dhale’e and Lahj governorates, have been temporarily halted.

• WFP reports that 4,000 MT of food that was to be transported from Aden to northern corridors and an additional 5,000 MT of daily food distributions in the south, have been delayed.

• WHO reports that Al Gamhuriya, As Sadaqah and 22nd May hospitals in Aden are fully functioning.
However, a request for the provision of surgical kits to two public hospitals in Taizz was delayed, as active fighting prevented the quick movement of health workers.

• The Yemen Red Crescent has distributed two trauma kits, enough to treat 100-war wounded people, to Al Mansoura and Al Joumhouria hospitals, and 30 body bags to Al Joumhouria hospital.

• Aden airport and sea port remain closed. The VOS Apollo remains anchored in international waters off the Aden coast. Within the city, civilians are mostly keeping indoors, unable to freely move out of their homes in search of safety, medical care and basic supplies such as food, fuel and safe water. Schools and shops remain closed.

• The acting Humanitarian Coordinator has issued a statement calling on all parties to protect civilians and to ensure safe, unimpeded and rapid access for humanitarian personnel and supplies and to immediately end the fighting and resolve differences through dialogue.

• Some 74 humanitarian partners are currently engaged in delivering assistance to more than 2.56 million vulnerable people in southern Yemen.