Air strikes devastate health center in Yemen amid escalating violence

On the night of April 1 to 2, 2025, US-led air strikes targeted a health facility supported by Action Against Hunger in northwestern Yemen, completely destroying the Huqah health center within the Washhah district. This attack is part of a broader escalation of violence in Yemen, particularly in areas controlled by the Houthi authorities, which has led to increased civilian casualties and destruction. The air strikes also damaged a nearby school, underscoring the threat to civilian infrastructure in the conflict-affected region. Anne Garella, Director of Operations for Action Against Hunger in the Middle East, stated that due to the timing of the attack, all health professionals and team members present were safe, highlighting the need for the protection of medical facilities under international humanitarian law. The recent surge in violence has raised alarms about the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers, with growing concerns for the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen. Prior to the air strike, there had been significant bombardments in northern Yemen on March 15, which tragically resulted in at least 53 deaths, including five children, along with approximately 100 injuries in a residential area of the capital, Sanaa. This alarming trend reflects the increasing intensity of military actions in areas with high civilian populations, which poses a severe threat to the already dire humanitarian conditions in Yemen. Yemen is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with 19.5 million people requiring assistance, which reflects an increase of 1.3 million from the previous year. Food insecurity remains rampant, affecting around 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women who need treatment for acute malnutrition, and approximately 55% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Action Against Hunger, active in Yemen since 2012, works tirelessly to rehabilitate sanitation infrastructure, provide access to clean water, and support health centers dealing with malnutrition, aiming to strengthen the ability of households to secure food and income amidst dwindling resources.