The government of Yemen is carrying out an offensive against Al Qaeda in the southern part of the country. AFP reports today that in the town of Hota, many civilians are trapped by the fighting and are being used by Al Qaeda as human shields. Thousands of others have fled the town. The Yemeni Red Crescent says the refugees need food, blankets and medical supplies. AFP says:
While the situation for residents still in Hota is dangerous, those who fled also face a tough road.
The people of Yemen continue to suffer shock after shock. Not only is the country plagued by Al Qaeda, but millions of Yemenis suffer from hunger and poverty. In Northern Yemen, a conflict has forced displacement of around 300,000 Yemenis who depend on humanitarian aid. Low funding for the UN World Food Programme has forced ration cuts for those displaced.
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