The situation in northern Yemen, where Government forces have been fighting rebels, remains "tense and volatile," the UN refugee agency reported Sept. 29, noting that civilians are unable to leave Sa'ada and there is still no humanitarian access to the embattled city. UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said a fragile calm was reported over the weekend in the city, which has been virtually cut off from the rest of the world for more than six weeks. "Local residents and displaced people, caught up in the fighting between the Government troops and Al Houthi forces, continue to face a dire humanitarian situation, unable to leave the embattled city to seek safety and shelter elsewhere," he said. Although there is still no access to the city, UNHCR managed to distribute some assistance through a local NGO partner. (UN News Service)
