U.N. seeks relief for besieged city

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Yemen said he was seeking ways to ensure unconditional access to Taizz, a city of about 25,000 besieged by Shiite rebels who control the capital, Sana.

“Only a few shops are open. Food and other basic goods needed to survive are in short supply. Basic services are scarce, including access to water and fuel,” U.N. humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick said in Sana after a visit to Taizz.