UN chief condemns deadly Saudi-led air strikes on Yemen

At least 70 killed in escalation of violence, days after missile attack on Abu Dhabi

SAADA (Yemen) • United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen that reportedly killed at least 70 people in a detention centre in the Houthi-held Saada province.

The strikes on Friday came days after an attack on Abu Dhabi and further missile and drone launches at Saudi cities last Monday led to an escalation in the war.

Mr Guterres’ spokesman, Mr Stephane Dujarric, said further deadly air strikes had been reported elsewhere in Yemen with children among those killed.

“An air strike on telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah has also significantly disrupted vital Internet services across much of the country,” Mr Dujarric said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General calls for prompt, effective and transparent investigations into these incidents to ensure accountability.”