SANAA, Yemen: A cross-border aid operation through Saudi Arabia has been launched by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, to meet the urgent needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) trapped in and around Saada city in northern Yemen, according to UN officials.

Addressing at a press conference on 11 October in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes said:"The first UNHCR convoy is on the way with essential emergency items to thousands of trapped IDPs, who remained inaccessible for the past two months as a result of escalating clashes between the government troops and Houthi-led Shias."

"The first batch of emergency items includes mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits and kitchen sets for 2,000 people," Andrew Knight, an external relations officer with UNHCR in Yemen told. "The items will be distributed to trapped IDPs through the Saada-based NGO Al-Amal Society, our implementing partner."

In Baqim and other northern areas near the Saudi border, 15,000-30,000 IDPs have been inaccessible to aid workers for the past two months, according to UNHCR.

Holmes urged the warring parties to ensure protection of civilians, as stipulated by international humanitarian law.