Yemeni hospital hit by Saudi-led air strikes, says Medecins Sans Frontieres medical aid group

Several people reportedly injured in the attack

(MSF)

A Yemeni hospital run by medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has been hit by a Saudi-led air strike, the latest bombing of a civilian target in the seven-month air campaign in Yemen.

"MSF facility in Saada Yemen was hit by several air strikes last night with patients and staff inside the facility," the group said in a tweet.

Yemen's state news agency Saba, run the Iran-allied Houthi group that is the coalition's enemy, quoted the Heedan hospital director saying that several people were injured in the attack.

"The air raids resulted in the destruction of the entire hospital with all that was inside - devices and medical supplies - and the moderate wounding of several people," Doctor Ali Mughli said.

Saba said other air strikes hit a nearby girls school and damaged several civilian homes.

It was not immediately possible to confirm that report, and a coalition spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries intervened in a civil war in Yemen in late March, but seven months of air attacks to restore the Saudi-based Yemeni government to power have yet to loosen the Houthis' grip over the capital Sanaa.

Human rights groups have expressed concern at the mounting deaths caused by the aerial bombing and ground fighting raging across the impoverished country.

More than 5,600 people have died in the conflict and shuttle diplomacy by a United Nations envoy has yet to win a political solution or slow the pace of combat.

It is the second time this month that an MSF facility has been hit a war zone. Its hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz was bombed by US forces on 3 October, killing around 30 people.

Reuters