Attack on UN convoy in Sana’a condemned

United Nations urges Al Houthis to investigate the ‘grave’ attack on Ould Shaikh Ahmad

The United Nations urged authorities in Al Houthicontrolled Sana’a yesterday to investigate a “grave attack” on the convoy of its envoy to Yemen during his visit to the capital.

UN special envoy, Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad, came under attack while travelling from the airport in Sana’a to the United Nations compound. The Al Houthi-run Saba news agency has denied any attack.

The UN statement gave no details, but local officials said shots were fired towards the convoy by unknown assailants.

“The Special Envoy expressed his deep concern regarding the grave attack on his convoy while travelling from the airport to the UN compound on 22 May,” the UN statement said.

“The Special Envoy reminded the parties that it is the responsibility of the local authorities to ensure the safety of all UN personnel in the country and urged them to investigate the incident, hold those responsible to account, and prevent any such incidents in the future,” it added.

The General People’s Congress, the party of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is allied with the Iranian-aligned Al Houthis, condemned the attack and also called for an investigation.

The Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting since March 2015 to end Al Houthi rule and restore the legitimate president Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to power.

According to the UN statement, Ould Shaikh Ahmad was discussing Al Houthi’s occupation of the Hodeida seaport which has been under blockade because it has used the port to smuggle in weapons from Iran. The UN envoy was also discussing ways to ensure the resumption of salaries to Yemeni civil servants.