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UNHCR condemns killings of Somalis in Yemen, calls for inquiry

Storyline:National News
Body of a Somali refugee, killed in an attack by a helicopter while travelling in a vessel off Yemen, is carried at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen March 17, 2017. REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad
Body of a Somali refugee, killed in an attack by a helicopter while travelling in a vessel off Yemen, is carried at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen March 17, 2017. REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad

The UN refugee agency UNHCR has called for inquiry into the killing of 42 Somalis in Yemen Friday while condemning the killings as appalling and unwarranted.

UNHCR commissioner Filippo Grandi said Monday the circumstances under which the civilians were killed remain unanswered calling on parties to the war to launch investigations.

“Over forty lives have been lost in this unwarranted attack on helpless civilians fleeing violence and conflict,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Grandi called for proper inquiry into the incident even as both parties to the ongoing war in Yemen deny responsibility.

“Many questions remain unanswered on the circumstances of this horrific event. We call on all parties to the conflict to make proper inquiries to ensure accountability and to prevent this from happening again.”

The UAE military Monday denied it targeted the boat carrying the civilians and instead laid blame on the Iranian backed Houthi rebels.

Meanwhile UNHCR Yemen spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said the agency was supporting the survivors and helping families with burial arrangements.

“Women and children among survivors. They are recovering and receiving UNHCR support to help cope in aftermath,” said Mantoo in a tweet Tuesday.