Investigation Finds No Evidence Of Coalition Forces Targeting Residential Area In Hajjah

In a recent statement, the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) addressed allegations concerning an attack on a residential area in Bani Makki, located in the Midi directorate of Hajjah governorate, Yemen. The incident, which reportedly occurred at 12:00 on 29/06/2021, was said to have resulted in one fatality and two injuries.

Upon receiving these claims, JIAT conducted a thorough investigation, examining a variety of sources including air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, mission execution procedures, after-mission reports, video recordings of the executed mission, satellite images, and the Coalition Forces' rules of engagement. The team also reviewed the provisions and principles of International Humanitarian Law and its customary rules.

The findings revealed that the Bani Makki area is situated northwest of Abs city in the Abs directorate of Hajjah governorate. However, no specific coordinates for the alleged residential area were provided. JIAT's review of Coalition Forces' air missions on the date in question showed that an air mission was conducted at 7:35 am targeting a military objective—a vehicle carrying fighter elements belonging to the Al-Houthi armed militia—in the Abs directorate of Hajjah governorate. This mission employed one guided missile that accurately hit its target.

Further examination of the daily mission schedule for the day before and after the alleged incident indicated that no air missions were carried out by Coalition Forces in Hajjah governorate on those dates. Satellite imagery analysis of the military target location showed it was approximately 1500 meters away from the nearest residential area. Video recordings of the executed mission depicted a light truck hidden under a tree, with the missile directly hitting this military target.

Comparing these findings with the claims made about the incident, JIAT concluded that there were significant discrepancies. The time mentioned in the claim did not match the time of the air mission executed by Coalition Forces. Additionally, the description of a residential area did not align with that of the military target involved in the operation. Moreover, the location specified in the claim did not correspond to that of the military objective targeted by Coalition Forces.

Based on this comprehensive assessment, JIAT determined that Coalition Forces did not target a residential area in Bani Makki area in Hajjah governorate on 29/06/2021 as claimed. This conclusion underscores JIAT's commitment to transparency and adherence to International Humanitarian Law in its operations.

With inputs from SPA