- It has been 1000 days since the Saudi-led bombardment of Yemen began on March 26, 2015
- Since then the UK has licensed over £4.6 billion worth of arms to the Saudi regime
- The bombing has killed thousands and created a humanitarian catastrophe
It has been 1000 days since the Saudi-led bombardment of Yemen began. In that time, over 10,000 people have been killed as a direct consequence of the war, with many more being killed in the resulting humanitarian catastrophe.
Over recent months, the worst cholera outbreak on record has taken root in Yemen. Over 8 million people are dependent on aid, with the situation being made even worse by the Saudi-imposed blockade.
Despite the humanitarian crisis, the UK government has continued to arm and support the Saudi regime. Since the ongoing bombardment began in 2015, the UK has licensed £4.6 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia, including:
- £2.7 billion worth of ML10 licences (Aircraft, helicopters, drones)
- £1.9 billion worth of ML4 licences (Grenades, bombs, missiles, countermeasures)
- £572,000 worth of ML6 licences (Armoured vehicles, tanks)
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said:
For 1000 days, Saudi forces have inflicted a terrible bombardment and devastating destruction on Yemen. Thousands have been killed, and millions displaced, yet the Saudi military remains by far the world’s largest buyer of UK arms.
Any aid that is reaching those in need must be welcomed, but the best thing that Theresa May and her colleagues can do for the Yemeni people is to stop the arms sales and end their political and military support for the Saudi regime.
ENDS
For further information please contact Andrew at media(at)caat·org·uk or call 020 7281 0297.
