Economy new challenge in Yemeni conflict

SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Aid to those affected by the conflict in north Yemen is subject to pilfering as weeks of fighting take their toll on the economy, the Red Cross said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Yemeni Red Crescent Society said there is an increased risk of looting of aid deliveries as the economy deteriorates. The ICRC said aid deliveries typically require lengthy negotiations over security, delaying many of the assistance efforts.

The ICRC said there are more than 6,000 people sheltered in displacement camps in the northern provinces of Yemen, where the fighting is at its worst.

The Yemeni government launched a major offensive against the Shiite al-Houthi rebels in the north of the country in early August. Those efforts faced international scrutiny following allegations a military strike in Amran province killed scores of civilians recently.

The Yemeni government blames al-Houthi rebels for using human shields, adding it was conducting its own investigation into the airstrike.

The official Saba news agency said its sources in the military claim government forces killed "a terrorist" and "dozens" of rebel fighters in Amran and Saada provinces during weekend clashes.