Yemen crisis: Saudi Arabia pledges to cover $274m aid sought by UN
Yemenis wait to fill jerry cans with water from a philanthropist-provided water tap in Sana'a, Yemen, 16 April 2015 (EPA Photo)


Saudi Arabia pledged on Saturday to provide entire $274 million in humanitarian aid to the war-torn country Yemen, following a United Nations appeal on Friday for the millions affected by the war, while keeping up leading an air campaign against Shiite rebels.The United Nations says hundreds of people have died and thousands of families fled their homes in the war, which has also killed six Saudi security personnel in border skirmishes.The kingdom "stands with its Yemeni brothers" and hopes for "the restoration of security and stability," the state Saudi Press Agency said, quoting an official statement.UN Humanitarian Coordinator Johannes Van Der Klaauw said in the appeal: "Ordinary families are struggling to access healthcare, water, food and fuel -- basic requirements for their survival."Aid has only trickled into the country, largely because of restrictions imposed by the coalition on the country's air space and sea ports.The Yemen conflict has sent tensions soaring between Saudi Arabia and Iran -- the foremost Sunni and Shiite Muslim powers in the Middle East, respectively.The World Health Organization, in its latest toll, said 767 people have died in Yemen's war since March 19 and more than 2,900 were wounded. The majority have been civilians.