Yemeni Rights Group Reports 339 Civilian Casualties in Houthi Attacks in Taiz

A Yemeni human rights organization has reported that 339 civilians were killed or injured in Taiz Governorate due to attacks, shelling, and sniper fire carried out by Houthi militias between August 1 and October 31. This period coincides with the ongoing siege of Taiz city, now in its fifth consecutive week.

The Yemeni organization Rased for Human Rights and Freedoms stated in a release that the casualty toll includes 84 deaths and 255 injuries, with women and children forming the majority of victims. These figures stem from a series of violations and alleged crimes documented in the governorate over the past three months.

The organization further documented the launch of 137 ballistic missiles and approximately 29,000 artillery shells targeting various areas within the governorate's districts. Additionally, Rased noted the occupation of 21 schools, repurposed as military barracks and weapons storage facilities, posing a significant threat to students and civilians and endangering educational infrastructure.

Rased expressed deep concern regarding the continuous deterioration of humanitarian and security conditions in Taiz, attributing this to the persistent attacks by Houthi militias and their resulting civilian casualties, which endanger the lives and safety of the populace.

The organization issued a call for an immediate cessation of attacks targeting civilians, the protection of residents and educational facilities, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, and the opening of routes leading to Taiz city.

Rased emphasized that the protection of civilians is a fundamental right and stressed the urgent need for action from the United Nations, international organizations, and relevant authorities to end the siege and alleviate the suffering of the population.