UNICEF voices concern after Houthi attack on Yemen health center

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over a Houthi attack targeting the Al-Suqya Health Center in Yemen’s southern Lahj province. The center, which is supported by UNICEF and provides essential healthcare services to around 1,737 people, including children, was struck in an assault that killed five people, including healthcare workers, according to reports.

In a statement posted Tuesday on its X account, UNICEF described the attack, which claimed five lives, as "deeply concerning."

The organization emphasized the need to protect health facilities, medical staff, and civilians at all times, and to ensure children and families can safely access the services they require.

On Monday, Yemen’s Ministry of Health announced that five people were killed and 15 others injured in a missile strike on the center in the Al-Suqya area of Al-Mudaraba district, attributing the attack to Houthi militia.

The ministry stated that the fatalities included three healthcare workers, while seven medical staff were among the injured. It condemned the assault as a violation of humanitarian and international laws that guarantee the protection of health facilities, medical teams, and patients.

The ministry called on the international community, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations—particularly the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross—to condemn the attack, investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and take measures to protect health facilities and workers and prevent future assaults.