Yemen rebels kill 31 as UN declares highest-level emergency

 

Rebel fire on a residential district of Yemen’s second city Aden killed more than 30 civilians Wednesday, as the UN declared its highest level humanitarian emergency in the war-torn country.

Meanwhile in the central city of Taez, pro-government forces launched a manhunt for 1,200 escaped prisoners, including al Qaeda members, allegedly freed by retreating rebel forces.

Both Aden and Taez have seen heavy fighting as loyalists of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi battle to repel Shia Huthi rebels with the support of a Saudi-led air war launched in March.

Aden was Hadi’s last refuge before he fled into exile in neighbouring Saudi Arabia in March and his supporters have been battling to defend it against the rebels and renegade troops.