Secretary-General Condemns Apparent Air Strike on Yemen Market, Calling for Prompt Investigation into Deadly Attack

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is concerned about the continuing intense air strikes and ground fighting in Yemen despite his repeated calls for a cessation of hostilities.  In this regard, he strongly condemns the apparent air strike on 27 February 2016 that hit Khaleq market, in Nahem District in Sana’a, killing at least 32 civilians and injuring at least 41 civilians.  The death toll is among the highest from a single bombing since September 2015.  The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict of the utmost necessity to fully respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, including populated markets.  The Secretary-General stresses that such attacks are considered serious violations of international humanitarian law.  He calls for a prompt and impartial investigation of this incident. 

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in good faith with his Special Envoy for Yemen in order to agree on a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible and to convene a new round of peace talks.