Taiz Siege Enters 14th Day Amid Worsening Food, Fuel, and Services Crisis
The Siege Affairs Office in Taiz governorate stated that the siege imposed on Taiz city and the three Sabir districts has entered its 14th day, with continued closure of main and secondary roads, including rugged and pedestrian paths, threatening the lives of nearly two million people.
The office explained that the siege deprives residents of basic needs, including food, medicine, fuel, water, and cooking gas, noting that the prices of some goods have increased to five times their original prices, according to reports.
It added that the restrictions on movement hinder citizens' travel and patients' access to hospitals, including those with kidney failure, cancer, and critical medical conditions.
The office noted that the educational process has been suspended for the 14th consecutive day, preventing school and university students from continuing their studies amid fears of shelling on residential areas and a fuel shortage that has paralyzed transportation.
In terms of services, the office reported the closure of some bakeries due to fuel shortages and the accumulation of waste in residential neighborhoods and streets. This is because collection is impossible due to the lack of fuel and Houthi control over the only designated landfill, warning of environmental and health consequences for the population.
It also warned of a decline in health services and the potential shutdown of some, due to the prevention of entry for medical supplies, medicines, and fuel needed to operate hospitals and health facilities.
The office stressed that the continuation of the siege exacerbates the suffering of the population, threatening their access to food, water, healthcare, and education, as well as restricting their freedom of movement.
Blocking of Drinking Water Supplies
For its part, the local authority in the governorate said that the Houthi group has prevented drinking water tankers from the Al-Dhabab wells from entering the city, warning of humanitarian and health consequences for the population due to the continued restrictions on roads and basic supplies.
The local authority added in a statement that blocking water entry at military checkpoints on the Al-Dhabab road comes amid the continued closure of roads leading to the city, obstruction of access for food, fuel, medicine, and medical supplies, as well as preventing garbage collection to the temporary landfill, which threatens to worsen environmental and health risks.
The statement accused the Houthis of continuing indiscriminate shelling of civilian homes, stating that blocking access to water and basic needs constitutes collective punishment, holding the group responsible for the humanitarian and health consequences of these practices.
The local authority called on the United Nations, the Security Council, and international organizations to take action to pressure for the opening of roads and to ensure the unrestricted entry of water, food, medical, and relief supplies into the city.
Source: Al-Mahriah Net - Open Sources
