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Yemen war: Mass funeral held for children killed in bus attack

AFP Yemeni children vent anger against Riyadh and Washington on August 13, 2018 as they take part in a mass funeralAFP

Thousands of people have gathered in Yemen for the funerals of dozens of children killed in a Saudi-led coalition attack on a bus last week.

The mass burial took place in Saada, a northern stronghold of Houthi rebels.

Crowds chanted in protest at Saudi Arabia, which backs the Yemeni government's fight against the group.

The coalition initially said its actions were "legitimate", but later said it would probe "collateral damage".

The children's bodies were wrapped in white shrouds and carried in cars bearing the Houthi logo.

Reuters Scouts carry the coffin of a boy during the funerals on 13 August 2018 of people killed in a Saudi-led coalition air strike in Saada, Yemen.Reuters
At the funeral mourners carried pictures of those killed

Local authorities say 51 people - including 40 children - were killed in the air strike on a bus travelling in Dahyan, in Saada province, last Thursday.

Most of the children were aged between 10 and 13.

AFP Men raise their rifles next to coffins in the northern Yemeni city of Saada on 13 August 2018AFP
There was a procession of the bodies from the local hospital to a square for prayers, and then to the graveyard

On Monday, the foreign affairs minister of the United Arab Emirates - which is part of the coalition - appeared to justify the use of force in the air strikes.

"War is not something that can actually be a clean operation," said Anwar Gargash, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Houthi officials have labelled the raid a "crime by America and its allies against the children of Yemen".

The coalition against the rebels receives logistical and intelligence support from the US, UK and France.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "independent and prompt investigation" into the air strike.

Reuters Mourners hold signs and slogans at the funerals on 13 August 2018 of children killed in a Saudi-led coalition air strikeReuters
Many people gathered to mourn those killed and protest the airstrikes
AFP Thousands of Yemenis vented their anger against Riyadh and Washington in a mass funeral in the northern Yemeni city of Saada on 13 August 2018.AFP
Those gathered were angry at the continued airstrikes
Reuters Mourners hold up their rifles as they attend a mass funeral in Saada, Yemen on 13 August 2018.Reuters
Armed Houthi fighters managed the crowds attending the funeral