Yemen asks UN to back foreign ground force to battle Houthis

Rebel fighters have been advancing in both cities despite six weeks of air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition.

 

The strikes began after the government sent the UN a similar letter requesting military help from Gulf Arab states.

 

The government also called on Tuesday for human rights groups to document “barbaric violations” by the rebels.

 

The letter, from Yemen’s permanent representative to the UN Khaled Alyemany, cited an incident on Wednesday when at least 32 people were killed while trying to flee fierce fighting in Aden in a boat. Witnesses and medics said the boat was hit by rebel shellfire.

 

The letter said Houthis were “targeting anything that moves” in Aden.

 

“We urge the international community to quickly intervene by land forces to save Yemen, especially Aden and Taiz,” it said.

 

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32619709