Yemen, April 5, 2020: The Women Solidarity Network strongly condemns the continued and escalating military operations in Yemen, that is clearly ignoring the ceasefire call by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on March 23, 2020, which was received by welcoming statements by parties to the conflict in Yemen.

As Women Solidarity Network, we previously valued the statements of the parties to the conflict regarding the Secretary-General's call, and we hoped that they will materialize into commitments towards ending the war in Yemen. However, instead of taking actions to de-escalate and stop the bloodshed; we bared witness to a stubborn continuation of hostilities and a disregard for lives, and large ignorance to the scourge of Covid-19, which is sign from Allah to reflect, grow wiser, and resort to the path of peace.

Alas, the Houthi group continued to commit grave violations and abuses. In an attempt to take over the governorate of Mareb, the Houthi group launched fierce hostilities and indiscriminately shelling using high-explosive weapons, including ballistic missiles. These attacks affected civilians and targeted services including the crude oil pumping station. They also launched campaigns of raids and arbitrary arrests of Al-Jouf residents. These military operations in Al-Jouf and Ma'rib resulted in the displacement of thousands of families currently facing grave humanitarian situations.

In Taiz governorate, claiming that measures are taken in response to Covid-19 pandemic, the Houthi group has completely imposed a blockade on Taiz, shutting the alternative routes created by people, after the Houthis initially shut down the main entrances to the city four years ago, chocking the last remaining lifeline for the city. The Houthi group continues the indiscriminate shelling of residential neighborhoods in Taiz. In a heinous crime today, the Houthi group targeted the women's division in the central prison, killing 6 women, including a child, and wounding dozens.

Fights in the military fronts in Dhalea and Hodeidah between the joint forces and the southern resistance, on one hand, and the Houthis, on the other, continue to escalate rather than de-escalate to honor the calls for ceasefire .

The Houthi group also launched a military attack with ballistic missiles and drones on remote targets in Saudi Arabia. In light of this escalation, the Arab coalition responded with airstrikes on Sana’a, Sa’ada, and a number of governorates, one of which targeted the Military College horse staple, which led to the death and injury of horses.

The Women Solidarity Network appeals to the parties to the conflict in Yemen to:

  • Immediately stop the military operations and dedicate peace to the people in Yemen, in the spirit of the blessed month of Ramadan, and we recall the importance of adherence to the call of Allah Almighty:
    (But whoever kills a believer intentionally - his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.) 4:93
  • Release all men and women arbitrary detained, forcibly disappeared, as well as, women prisoners without conditions and provide them with support programs upon their release.
  • Hold accountable and bring to justice those involved in targeting women and civilians by indiscriminate bombing.