UN seeks $274m to aid Yemen

AMMAN: The UN launched an urgent appeal Friday for $274 million to provide assistance to the millions of people affected by the Yemen war.
“The devastating conflict in Yemen takes place against the backdrop of an existing humanitarian crisis that was already one of the largest and most complex in the world,” a UN statement issued in Jordan said.
The appeal addressed to the international community by the United Nations and its humanitarian partners aims “to meet the life-saving and protection needs of 7.5 million affected” by the conflict. The UN hopes it will be able to raise the funds quickly to provide much-needed food, medical supplies, drinking water and emergency shelters.
“I urge donors to act now to support the people of Yemen at this time of greatest need,” said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Johannes Van Der Klaauw.
Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda routed government forces from a large weapons depot in the country’s east on Friday, seizing dozens of tanks, Katyusha rocket launchers and small arms, security officials said. The seized depot is located in Mukalla.