DUBAI: The Saudi-led Arab coalition on Friday condemned Houthi threats to civilians and aid workers in Yemen, following the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) statement to withdraw its relief and humanitarian workers from the country.
The ICRC said on Thursday it had pulled 71 international staff out of Yemen because of security incidents and threats, and moved them to Djibouti.
In response, the leadership of the coalition reiterated its commitment to facilitate the work of humanitarian aid workers from international organizations in areas under the control of the Yemeni government, as well as those under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi militia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The coalition is keen to provide the necessary protection and ensure the safety for the staff of international organizations undertaking humanitarian work in Yemen, coalition spokesperson Colonel Turki Al-Maliki said, so they can respond to the needs of the Yemeni people safely and freely.
He stated that those who break international law and threaten the lives of humanitarian workers should be held responsible and face legal action.
The colonel said that the coalition, that backs the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, continues to apply the highest standard of protection for civilians and international humanitarian organizations.
The coalition ensures their safety and security and facilitates their freedom of movement without any restrictions or constraints as applicable to international humanitarian law, Al-Maliki added.
