After Rejecting Peace, Saudi Arabia Kills 12 Yemeni Civilians

Almost two years into its war in Yemen, Saudi Arabia is rejecting cease-fires and peace talks.

At least 12 Yemeni civilians were killed Wednesday by a Saudi-led airstrike on their way to a local market riding in a pickup truck in the country's northwest early.

A Saudi-led coalition has been attacking Yemen since March 2015 to restore its exiled ally President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The coalition did not make any statement on the latest killings.

Locals said the passengers were shoppers heading to a local market in the Hiran area of northwest Hajja province, which is controlled by the Ansarullah Houthi rebels.

The Saudi coalition has been accused of committing war crimes using U.S. and British-made weapons.

Saudi jets have hit several hospitals and schools as well as wedding ceremonies in



the country according to rights and aid groups including the United Nations.

The U.N. says more than 10,000 people have been killed, most of them civilians, and more than 3 million have been displaced since March 2015.

Some experts say that the U.S. could also be accused of committing war crimes due to the fact that its military personnel provides logistical and intelligence support to the coalition.

The renewed targeting of civilians comes two days after Saudi Arabia refused to extend a two-day cease-fire after it expired at midday local time Monday as each side blamed the other for violations.

Last week the rebels said they were ready to stop fighting and join a national unity government, but Saudi-backed Hadi's government said it was not aware of any new peace initiative.