Reportedly on 5th of September 2011, aerial bombing in the Gia'ar area of Khanfar district in Abyan governorate damaged Al-Razi Hospital and a mosque and led to civilian casualties, disruption of medical services and suffering among the local civilian population.
International Humanitarian Law obliges parties to a conflict to take all measures to avoid fighting in civilian areas, and the need to distinguish between civilian and military targets. In recent months humanitarian actors, including medical personnel, have been targeted and obstructed by armed groups, gravely endangering the lives of medical personnel as well as those of the injured being treated. The targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid constitute a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law, to which all parties are bound.
United Nations and other humanitarian actors are gravely concerned on the use of violence against civilians and urge all parties to fulfill their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and take all precautions to avert losses of civilian lives and the destruction of civilian facilities.
The United Nations remains committed to continue its support to help meet the needs of all vulnerable populations and persons of concern throughout Yemen.