Aden, Yemen, 9 September 2026 — Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is closely monitoring the rapidly escalating fighting across Yemen and the growing risk to civilians as hostilities intensify on several fronts. Reports of civilian casualties, displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, alongside attacks that have injured civilians in neighboring Saudi Arabia, underscore the urgent need to prevent harm to civilians.
Dina El Mamoun, CIVIC’s Country Director in Yemen, shared this statement:
We are deeply concerned by the reports of displacement, death and destruction. As frontline fighting intensifies there is a pressing need to ensure protection of civilians is made a priority. We hold a firm belief that civilian casualties are not inevitable.
Every military decision taken at this moment can either increase that human cost or help contain it. We urge all forces engaged in hostilities to take concrete steps to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including by taking all feasible precautions in the planning and conduct of military operations, from the choice of weapons and targets to warnings, evacuation routes, humanitarian access and the treatment of communities in contested areas.
We welcome recent directives by Yemen’s political and military leadership emphasizing the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law, and assistance to displaced families. These directives and commitments are timely and now need to translate into clear steps, operational planning, and practices on the ground.
CIVIC in Yemen
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) has been working in Yemen since 2018 to strengthen the capacity of armed actors to uphold international humanitarian law and to support local communities in advocating for their own protection. Through strong relationships with military and security forces, government agencies, and local partners, CIVIC continuously adapts to the evolving conflict environment to strengthen on-the-ground civilian protection. CIVIC remains committed to equipping affected populations with the analysis, training, and mentorship they need to implement self-protection measures and engage effectively with governments and armed actors.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], WhatsApp: +1 917 889 5982, Cell: +974 311 43 955
CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic.
