Fighting intensifies around Taiz as civilian risks grow

Fighting between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters has intensified around Taiz, as the United Nations warns that hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and civilians face growing risks. A Houthi attack on a residential area on Tuesday killed two teenage girls and wounded six people, according to two reports; another report gave a higher toll that remains unconfirmed. The conflicting accounts describe the same attack but differ materially on its victims. One report, citing local sources and preliminary information, said at least nine people were killed and 14 wounded. The death toll has not been independently established in the reports. Residents described damage to homes, and one woman, Zainab Ali, said she returned to find her house destroyed. UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. He called for humanitarian aid to enter Taiz and for civilians who want to leave to be able to do so safely and freely. The city is largely encircled, with most supply routes cut off, according to reports, contributing to shortages and rising prices. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said...