Middle East latest: Houthis threaten 'painful' response to any attack on Sanaa after coalition warning

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for an urgent de-escalation in the Middle East to prevent further devastating consequences for civilians. The Yemeni civil war, which has been ongoing, has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the impoverished nation. The conflict, involving a Saudi-led military coalition supporting the government against Iran-backed Houthis, reignited in July, exacerbating regional tensions.

Mirjana Spoljaric, president of ICRC, expressed grave concern over the ongoing military operations, stating that civilians are bearing an unacceptable burden. The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil facilities, tankers, and transport hubs, including Riyadh's airport, causing significant damage and loss of life. In Yemen, the scale of casualties, displacement, and destruction is mounting alarmingly, particularly in cities like Aden and Sana'a.

Spoljaric emphasized that civilians and civilian objects must be spared from attack, while parties to the conflict must consistently distinguish between civilians, civilian objects, and military targets. Strikes on critical infrastructure like ports, airports, and transportation hubs pose severe risks to communities that depend on them.

She stressed that any further intensification of hostilities would be disastrous for tens of millions of people and urged immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians.

As the guardians of international humanitarian law, ICRC aims to limit the effects of armed conflict, protecting those not or no longer participating in hostilities and restricting the means and methods of warfare.