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MSF receives over 60 patients after Aden clashes

Dubai/Paris – The Emergency Surgical Unit of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) in Aden received more than 60 patients on Thursday 19 March as a result of heavy clashes.

Fighting between forces loyal to President Hadi and the Special Security Forces a unit loyal to the Yemen's former President Saleh, started in Aden in the early hours of Thursday and continued throughout the day around Aden International Airport, forcing its temporary closure.

MSF received 63 wounded patients at its Emergency Surgical Unit in Aden. Most patients were suffering from gunshot wounds, with 12 needing urgent surgery.

Ambulances reportedly faced difficulties to reach patients due to insecurity. One Ministry of Health ambulance had been caught in crossfire on its way to the MSF hospital with a patient inside without suffering casualty.

“We may receive more patients and it is all the more crucial that all parties to the conflict facilitate unhindered access of patients and ambulances to health structures, including MSF emergency unit” says Dounia Dekhili, manager of MSF programmes in Yemen.