Was chemical weapons used? Authorities demand an international investigation

The authorities in Taiz, Yemen, have called on the UN for an independent investigation into allegations of chemical weapon use by Houthi rebels. Reports indicate that Houthi forces may have deployed munitions containing illegal chemical agents, leading to severe respiratory issues among civilians and soldiers. Local officials demand immediate technical investigations to identify the substances used and confirm their link to reported symptoms. They also urge the involvement of international organizations to ensure the investigation's integrity. Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister accused the Iran-backed Houthis of using illegal weapons to intensify their offensive in Taiz, where fighting has escalated significantly in recent months, causing severe shortages of food, fuel, and water.