Yemen: Fighting north of Abs forces thousands to flee

Renewed fighting along a front line in the war in Yemen has forced thousands of people to flee to the city of Abs and surrounding areas in recent weeks, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said today, calling for food, water, shelter, and medical care for those in need.

Jaume Radó, MSF head of mission in Yemen, gave the following statement:

"After several days of intense fighting, more than 18,000 newly displaced people have arrived in Abs and the surrounding areas. We also saw an increase of war-wounded in our hospital in Abs, which serves an area with more than 1.2 million people in Abs and the surrounding districts. In total, there are more than 50,000 displaced and the situation could get worse if there are new clashes.

"The main humanitarian needs of the displaced population are medical care, water, shelter, food, and relief items. Medical care, clean water, and sanitation services are urgently needed, given that the country is suffering an increase in cholera cases. MSF has one cholera treatment center in Abs and is setting up another one for displaced people and the local population.

"There are groups of civilians that we cannot reach due to security reasons. MSF asks all warring parties to ensure the security of the civilian population and of the medical mission, so that basic services can be provided to displaced people and war-wounded."