Rebels blocking relief for displaced in northern Yemen

SAADA, Aug. 26 (Saba) - Relief organizations complained on Wednesday the Houthi rebels were hindering their job, blocking them from reaching out the war-affected people in Yemen's restive northern parts.

Amid insecurity in the areas, relief organizations have become very cautious to
avoid their
staffs being hurt or their equipment being destroyed, some representatives have
said. The inhuman acts by the Houthi followers come as the army has recently
expanded an offensive
against them and which was prompted by continued violence and lawbreaking by the
rebels. The relief organizations face difficulties while trying to get the displaced
because
most of the people are not at camps. Many families moved to other nearby areas. On
August 13, the rebels abducted 15 Red Crescent workers and safely freed them days
later.
According to the UN mission there are more than 160.000 displaced people due to the
recent confrontations between the army and rebels. The Houthi rebels have been
launching
sporadic wars against the troops since 2004. FR