The latest tragedy to strike the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country came days ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim holiday celebrated around the world by feasting to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
SANAA - At least 85 people were killed and over 300 injured in a crush at a charity distribution event in war-torn Yemen on Thursday, Huthi officials said, one of the deadliest stampedes in a decade.
"Women and children were among the dead," he told AFP on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media. A second health official confirmed the toll. Many had their mouths covered by other people's hands, the rest of their bodies engulfed by the dense crowd. The conflict began in 2014 when Iran-backed Huthi rebels seized Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year to prop up the internationally recognised government.