Yemen: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Condemns the Shooting at an Ambulance in Taiz

Geneva/Sana’a – The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement condemns in the strongest possible terms the shooting at a Yemeni Red Crescent Society (YRCS) ambulance in the city of Taiz on Thursday the 23rd of July, killing two people.

The ambulance, which was clearly marked with the YRCS emblem, was transporting an injured patient with a companion and two YRCS volunteers across a front line when it came under fire. The bullets fired penetrated the body of the ambulance, resulting in the immediate death of the patient and his companion.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has no information at present on who fired the shots or their motive.

It is extremely worrying that the past couple of months have seen an increasing number of attacks against health-care workers and relief personnel in the country.

Four YRCS volunteers have lost their lives in the line of duty since March 2015.

Furthermore, there have been reports of numerous attacks against the property of YRCS, including cars and premises clearly displaying its emblem. Looting and arson attacks on the YRCS compound in Taiz, on 24th of June and the 01st of July are the latest such incidents.

The Yemeni Red Crescent Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) together call for the immediate protection of volunteers from YRCS and all other personnel affiliated with the Movement.

It is also absolutely essential that all sides facilitate the work of YRCS volunteers, and of all other humanitarian workers, by respecting the emblems displayed on their premises, vehicles and clothing. Without this respect for these emblems – including those of the Movement, saving lives and offering much-needed assistance for millions of Yemenis will become close to impossible.