Saudi Arabia pledges $274 million in aid to Yemen

Pledge comes after UN appeal for emergency assistance

Saudi Arabia has announced it will be providing $274m in humanitarian aid to neighbouring Yemen. For the past three weeks Saudi Arabia has been leading an air campaign against Houthi fighters in the Arabian Peninsula nation.

The pledge, reportedly ordered by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud today, came as a result of a UN appeal for $274m to provide emergency assistance to the millions affected by the conflict.

"Ordinary families are struggling to access healthcare, water, food and fuel - basic requirements for their survival," UN humanitarian coordinator, Johannes Van Der Klaauw had said on Friday.

The UN says thousands of families have been displaced due to the war, which has also so far resulted in the deaths of six Saudi security officers in border skirmishes. The World Health Organisation says 767 people have died since March 19, with over than 2,900 being wounded, mostly civilians.

 Brigadier-General Ahmed al-Assiri, the Saudi-led coalition's spokesperson, announced that 100 sorties had taken place in Yemen on Thursday.

"This works needs patience, persistence and precision," he said, adding that the nation has the time and capabilities to wage a lengthy campaign.