SANAA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy to Yemen, on Monday called for the protection of civilians after eight people were killed in an attack while breaking their Ramadan fast in Hajjah province in northwestern Yemen.
In a press statement posted on his official account on X, Grundberg said he was deeply concerned about the Sunday attack that occurred in the Hairan district of the province.
"According to preliminary information, the attack killed at least eight civilians and injured dozens, including children, who had gathered to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan," he said.
Grundberg stressed that "civilians must be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law, and those responsible for this attack must be held accountable."
The government-run Saba News Agency reported Sunday that over 30 civilians were killed or injured "as a result of artillery shelling carried out by Houthi militias targeting a gathering of residents while they were having the iftar meal in Hairan district of Hajjah province."
The Houthis did not immediately comment on the incident. ■
