U.S. provides $2.5 million in food aid for displaced people in Sa’ada

August 30, 2009

In response to the urgent humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Sa'ada governorate as a result of the resumption of military conflict, the United States of America, through USAID and its Food for Peace program, is pleased to announce a contribution of over $2.5 million to the World Food Program.

This contribution includes 3,440 metric tons of wheat and 460 metric tons of beans – enough to feed 100,000 people for two and one-half months.  The first shipment of wheat is expected to arrive in the near future.

While the United States recognizes the responsibility of the Government of Yemen to defend its national territory against armed rebellion, this responsibility must be exercised in a manner that minimizes risk to the non-combatant civilian population.

The United States calls on both parties to the conflict to ensure the security of international relief workers in the region, and the safe passage of emergency relief supplies to camps housing internally displaced persons.