JIAT Confirms Lawfulness Of Coalition Forces' Airstrike In Yemen

Between late August and early September 2020, heavy clashes were reported in Mahliyah directorate. The fighting involved Yemen's government forces and Al-Houthi armed militia. On 10 September 2020, Al-Houthi militia claimed control of Mahliyah governorate.

On 13 September 2020, around 7:50 pm, planes hovered over Al-Jazerah village in Mahliyah directorate. About half an hour later, at 8:20 pm, an airstrike hit a small fuel station. The coordinates of the location were provided.

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) reviewed the incident thoroughly. They examined documents including air tasking orders, mission schedules, execution procedures, after-mission reports, video recordings, satellite images, and testimonies from concerned parties.

JIAT found that on 13 September 2020, during ongoing clashes in Rahbah front in Mahliyah directorate, the legitimate government forces requested close air support. The target was a light truck carrying fighters and weapons belonging to Al-Houthi militia.

The reconnaissance and surveillance system observed the vehicle carrying Al-Houthi fighters and weapons. It tracked the vehicle until it stopped under a canopy at an abandoned gas station seized by Al-Houthi militia.

According to Article 52 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions and rule 8 of customary international humanitarian law, this made it a legitimate military target. The Coalition Forces carried out an air mission at 7:47 pm on 13 September 2020.

Precautionary Measures

The Coalition Forces took precautions to avoid civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects. They conducted reconnaissance and surveillance operations on the military target. They ensured no civilians were present before and during targeting.

A single guided bomb was used to hit the vehicle hiding under the canopy of the abandoned gas station. This action was based on Article 57 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions and rules 15 and 17 of customary international humanitarian law.

Post-Strike Analysis

JIAT specialists studied satellite images before and after the claimed date. Before the strike, there was a canopy and a small building in an isolated area. Afterward, traces of aerial targeting were found on the military target.

The video recordings from surveillance showed that no personnel or civilian vehicles were present around the targeting site before or during the strike. The bomb directly hit the vehicle hiding under a canopy with no secondary explosions observed.

This confirmed that the gas station was abandoned. JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces' actions were correct and in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and its customary rules.

With inputs from SPA