Yemen situation is 'deeply disturbing,' says UN chief

The events unfolding in Yemen are "deeply disturbing," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said via his spokesman.

In the wake of clashes that started last week and the killing of former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh and several of his associates, Guterres said it is paramount to ensure civilians are protected, the wounded get medical care and that all sides facilitate UN humanitarian access, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Initial reports suggest around 100 people have been killed and hundreds more may be injured in the latest conflict, which "only adds another layer of suffering" to the people in war-torn Yemen, he said.

"We remind all parties to the conflict that deliberate attacks against civilians and medical infrastructure are clear violations of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes," Dujarric said.