Canada demands probe of Yemen funeral air strike

Ottawa, Oct 10 Canada has called for a prompt investigation into the air strikes that killed more than 140 people and wounded hundreds of others at a funeral ceremony in Yemen's capital.

The Iran-backed Huthi rebels blamed the Saudi-led coalition for Saturday's attack, one of the deadliest since it launched a military campaign against the Shiite insurgents in March 2015.

After initially denying any involvement, the coalition later said it would "immediately investigate" the incident.

"The Saudi-led coalition must move forward now on its commitment to investigate this incident," Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said yesterday in a statement condemning the attack.

"Canada calls on all parties in Yemen to avoid an escalation of violence as a result of this incident." Dion said, "Canada urges all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to commit to political dialogue and to a lasting cessation of hostilities to halt the tragic loss of civilian life."

The Huthis swept into Sanaa in September 2014 and advanced across much of Yemen, forcing the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to flee.

The conflict has killed more than 6,700 people -- almost two thirds of them civilians -- and displaced at least three million since the coalition launched military operations, according to the United Nations.

AFP