Saudi vows to cover UN aid call for Yemen, keeps up air raids

Saudi Arabia pledged April 18 to cover the entire $274 million in humanitarian aid sought by the UN for conflict-torn Yemen, which has also been the target of Saudi-led air strikes against Shiite rebels.
  
The United Nations says hundreds of people have died and thousands of families fled their homes in the war, which has also killed six Saudi security personnel in border skirmishes.
  
At least 27 more people died in the southwestern city of Taez during overnight clashes between loyalist forces and the Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels as well as Saudi-led coalition air raids, medical sources said.
  
Saudi King Salman ordered the humanitarian pledge following a United Nations appeal on April 17 for $274 million (253 million euros) in emergency assistance for the millions affected by Yemen's war.
  
The kingdom "stands with its Yemeni brothers" and hopes for "the restoration of security and stability," the state Saudi Press Agency said, quoting an official statement.
  
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Johannes Van Der Klaauw said in the appeal: "Ordinary families are struggling to access healthcare, water, food and fuel -- basic requirements for their survival."
  
Aid has only trickled into the country, largely because of restrictions imposed by the coalition on the country's air space and sea ports.
  
The Huthi rebels swept into the capital Sanaa last September from their highland stronghold and then advanced south on the port city of Aden, forcing President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to flee to Riyadh.
  
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