Canada demands probe into Yemen funeral massacre
Canada demands probe into Yemen funeral massacre
Pressure is building on Riyadh after Western ally Canada called for an investigation into suspected air raids by Saudi planes on a funeral in Yemen.
1 min read
The airstrike killed 140 people, many from the same family [Getty]
Canada has called for a prompt investigation into suspected Saudi air strikes on a funeral in Yemen that killed more than 140 people.
Houthi rebels have blamed the Saudi-led coalition for Saturday's attack, one of the deadliest since Riyadh launched a military campaign against the Zaydi-Shia insurgents in March 2015.
After initially denying any involvement, the coalition later said it would "immediately investigate" the incident.
"The Saudi-led coalition must move forward now on its commitment to investigate this incident," Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said in a statement condemning the attack.
"Canada calls on all parties in Yemen to avoid an escalation of violence as a result of this incident."
Dion said "Canada urges all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to commit to political dialogue and to a lasting cessation of hostilities to halt the tragic loss of civilian life".
The Houthis swept into Sanaa in September 2014 and advanced across much of Yemen. The offensive forced the internationally-recognised government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee.
The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people - almost two thirds of them civilians - and displaced at least three million since the coalition launched military operations, according to the United Nations.
Houthi rebels have blamed the Saudi-led coalition for Saturday's attack, one of the deadliest since Riyadh launched a military campaign against the Zaydi-Shia insurgents in March 2015.
After initially denying any involvement, the coalition later said it would "immediately investigate" the incident.
"The Saudi-led coalition must move forward now on its commitment to investigate this incident," Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said in a statement condemning the attack.
"Canada calls on all parties in Yemen to avoid an escalation of violence as a result of this incident."
Dion said "Canada urges all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to commit to political dialogue and to a lasting cessation of hostilities to halt the tragic loss of civilian life".
The Houthis swept into Sanaa in September 2014 and advanced across much of Yemen. The offensive forced the internationally-recognised government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee.
The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people - almost two thirds of them civilians - and displaced at least three million since the coalition launched military operations, according to the United Nations.
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