The coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen has expressed regret at the decision taken by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to evacuate its staff from six hospitals in the country’s north, calling for “urgent discussions” to resolve the problem.

“We very much regret MSF’s decision to evacuate staff from six hospitals in northern Yemen. We greatly value the work MSF does for the people of Yemen under difficult circumstances,” said a statement issued by the command of the coalition.

“We are seeking urgent discussions with MSF to understand how we can work together to resolve this situation,” it said.

The coalition reiterated “full respect for international humanitarian law” in its operations in Yemen and said it has “established an independent Joint Incidents Assessment Team to investigate reports of civilian casualties resulting from coalition action.”

The team was also tasked with making recommendations to introduce changes to the coalition’s operations where problems have occurred, the statement added.

MSF said on Thursday that the six hospitals will continue to be manned by local workers and volunteers.