ICRC troubled by Yemeni violence

SANAA, Yemen, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Members of the Yemen Red Crescent society are at risk of injury as they struggle to address escalating violence in the country, a delegate in Yemen said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "deeply alarmed" by reports of violence in Yemen.

Earlier this week, Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said there were serious concerns about the security situation in Yemen. She accused government forces of using "disproportionate force" in the country, noting at least 40 people were killed in the country since Thursday.

The ICRC, in a statement, noted the security situation in Yemen make it "extremely difficult" for humanitarian aid groups to work.

"There are worrying reports of injured people being unable to reach medical facilities, and of facilities being attacked and damaged," said Eric Marclay, the ICRC's head of delegation in Yemen.

Marclay added the volunteers working for the Yemen Red Crescent society take their lives into their own hands by trying to help the wounded in the country.

"Trying to save a life can cost you your own these days," he added.

Former President Ali Abdullah Saleh handed power to his vice president in November, ending a 10-month political stalemate in Yemen. The violence, however, has continued.