Worrying reports have emerged about how the Houthis were using civilians as human shields in the fighting over the past two weeks in the south-western port of Al Mokha in Taizz Governorate impacted civilians.

''Credible reports indicate that civilians were caught in an intolerable situation between the warring parties giving them opposing instructions. The Popular Committees Affiliated with the Houthis and their allies warned civilians not to leave their homes while pro-Government and Coalition forces were demanding that they evacuate. Credible reports indicate that Houthi-affiliated snipers shot at families attempting to flee their homes in Houthi-controlled areas - suggesting the use of civilians as human shields,'' Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a briefing about Yemen on Friday.

Backed by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, the national army took over Al Maghini and Al Hali areas of Al Mokha city, placing the whole city and port under government control.