Red Cross urges de-escalation as fighting threatens civilians across West Asia

The International Committee of the Red Cross called for urgent de-escalation on Tuesday, warning that more fighting could be disastrous for civilians.

Yemen’s civil war reignited in July amid a wider regional conflict that has shaken energy markets and deepened the Middle East crisis.

The conflict pits Yemen’s government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, against Iran-backed Houthi forces.

The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil facilities, tankers and transport hubs, including Riyadh’s airport, while fighting has also caused deaths, displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure in Yemen.

Civilians and essential facilities are suffering across the region, the Red Cross said, including in Aden and Sana’a.

The agency warned that strikes on ports, airports and other vital infrastructure can severely affect communities that depend on them.

It urged all parties to protect civilians and distinguish them from military targets.

The Red Cross said further escalation could harm tens of millions of people, but no specific next steps or negotiations were given.