Investigation Finds No Coalition Strike On Saqeen General Hospital In Yemen

In a recent statement released by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT), allegations regarding the targeting of Saqeen General Hospital in Sa'ada governorate by Coalition Forces on 30 May 2015 were addressed. The claims, initially brought to light in a March 2020 report by Doctors for Human Rights, suggested that the hospital, which had been under the occupation of Al-Houthi armed militia since 2009, was targeted in two airstrikes, causing significant damage.

The report detailed how the Al-Houthi group had commandeered the hospital's facilities, repurposing them for military use and restricting medical services to their injured fighters. This prompted a thorough investigation by JIAT, which involved reviewing a wide array of documents and evidence including air tasking orders, mission execution procedures, satellite imagery, and the rules of engagement adhered to by Coalition Forces.

JIAT's findings revealed that Saqeen General Hospital is situated on a key road linking the Saqeen directorate with Sa'ada city and is listed on the Coalition Forces No Strike List (NSL), indicating it should not be targeted. The investigation into the air missions conducted around the date of the alleged attack showed that on 30 May 2015, a military target associated with the Al-Houthi militia was engaged approximately 13 kilometers away from the hospital using a guided bomb that accurately hit its intended target.

Further scrutiny into air missions conducted immediately before and after the alleged date provided additional clarity. On 29 May 2015, a day before the claim, an air mission targeted a military site 7000 meters from Saqeen General Hospital, while no air missions were recorded in the Saqeen directorate on 31 May 2015. Satellite imagery analysis supported these findings, showing no evidence of damage to the hospital building or its annexes from aerial targeting.

Based on this comprehensive assessment, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target Saqeen General Hospital as alleged. This conclusion underscores the importance of rigorous investigation and evidence-based assessment in addressing claims of military engagement in conflict zones. The findings aim to clarify events and ensure accountability within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.

The statement issued by JIAT not only addresses specific allegations but also highlights the meticulous processes involved in verifying military actions and their adherence to international legal standards. This development is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in military operations within conflict-affected regions.

With inputs from SPA