Yemeni civilians killed in clashes

SA'ADA, Yemen, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Displaced Yemenis at a U.N. camp in the northern part of the country have been killed in fighting between government forces and rebels, the U.N. said.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said the victims -- it did not give a number -- were among 500 displaced people at the camp, outside Sa'ada city

Around 150,000 civilians have fled their homes amid fighting between Yemeni government forces and Al Houthi rebels since mid-August, UNHCR reported Friday.

Civilians in the area of Sa'ada, including almost 35,000 refugees, are trapped by the conflict and unable to reach safer parts of the country, the U.N. says.

The U.N. has been urging a ceasefire and establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians in northern Yemen to escape the conflict zone and to enable aid workers to reach thousands of displaced people who need help.

"They live in dire conditions, facing extreme hardship as food and other commodities are running out and water is available only sporadically," the agency said.

UNHCR is also asking Saudi authorities to provide shelter and assistance to Yemenis who may seek refuge across the border.