JIAT Issues Statement On Allegations Of Coalition Forces Targeting Residential Units In Al-Hudaydah

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) has addressed allegations concerning the Coalition Forces' actions on 26 March 2022. It was claimed that airstrikes targeted residential units of Electricity Company employees in Al-Hali Directorate, Al-Hudaydah Governorate. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) reported two airstrikes at 3:00 am, resulting in the destruction of six residential units on Jizan Street.

JIAT conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. They reviewed various documents, including air tasking orders, mission schedules, and satellite images. The assessment revealed that the coordinates mentioned in the claim were located along a main street in northern Al-Hudaydah city. This location did not match the site of the military operation carried out by Coalition Forces.

On the date of the alleged incident, Coalition Forces received intelligence about a site seized by Al-Houthi armed militia in Al-Hudaydah city. This site was reportedly used for military manufacturing and housed foreign experts supporting war efforts. According to international humanitarian law, this made it a legitimate military target.

The Coalition Forces executed an air mission at 3:00 am on 26 March 2022. They targeted a site used for military purposes by Al-Houthi armed militia in Al-Hudaydah city. Two guided bombs were deployed to ensure precision and minimise civilian impact. Precautions included selecting a late-night timing to avoid civilian presence.

Satellite images confirmed that the military target consisted of two buildings in northern Al-Hudaydah city. These buildings showed traces of air targeting and were located approximately 220 meters from the coordinates provided in the claim, ensuring safety from bomb side effects.

Discrepancies with Claims

Upon comparing the claim with actual operations, JIAT found inconsistencies. The claimed location did not align with where the air mission occurred; it was safely distanced from bomb effects. Additionally, descriptions of residential units did not match those of the military target seized by Al-Houthi forces.

Further analysis of satellite images post-incident showed no signs of aerial targeting at the claimed site or nearby buildings on Jizan Street. This evidence contradicted claims of targeting residential units belonging to Electricity Company employees.

JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces acted correctly under international humanitarian law when targeting a legitimate military site on 26 March 2022. The procedures adhered to legal standards, confirming that residential units were not targeted as alleged.

With inputs from SPA