JIAT Issues Statement Clarifying Allegations Against Coalition Forces In Shabwah Governorate

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) has addressed claims concerning an alleged airstrike by Coalition Forces on homes in Al-Hijrah village, located in the Markhah Al-Sofla directorate of Shabwah governorate, on 4 January 2019. The investigation was prompted by a report from the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Human Rights in Yemen (NCIAVHR).

JIAT thoroughly examined the incident, reviewing various documents such as air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, and satellite images. They also considered the Coalition Forces' rules of engagement and international humanitarian law principles. Despite these efforts, no coordinates for the alleged location were provided.

Upon reviewing the air missions conducted by Coalition Forces on the date in question, JIAT discovered that no air missions were executed over Shabwah governorate on 4 January 2019. This finding was based on a detailed examination of mission execution procedures and after-mission reports.

Further analysis of daily mission schedules revealed that no air missions took place in Shabwah governorate on either 3 January or 5 January 2019. This comprehensive review confirmed that no operations were conducted around the claimed date.

Based on their extensive assessment, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target any houses in Al-Hijrah village within Markhah Al-Sofla directorate on 4 January 2019. The evidence reviewed did not support the allegations made against them.

The findings underscore JIAT's commitment to transparency and adherence to international humanitarian standards while addressing such claims. The investigation highlights the importance of thorough vetting processes in assessing allegations related to military operations.

With inputs from SPA