JIAT Clarifies Allegations Against Coalition Forces For Targeting Al-Salif Port In Yemen

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) released a statement concerning allegations against Coalition Forces. The claims involved targeting a building and warehouse at Al-Salif port in Al-Hudaydah governorate on 21 March 2021. The report by the panel of experts on Yemen, dated 26 January 2022, mentioned that two explosive devices from an aircraft struck the Yemeni International Company for Food Production Ltd's property at around 2:30 a.m.

JIAT thoroughly investigated the incident, reviewing various documents such as air tasking orders, mission schedules, execution procedures, and after-mission reports. They also examined satellite images and intelligence reports. Interviews with those involved in planning and executing the military operation were conducted to gather comprehensive insights into the event.

The investigation revealed that Al-Salif port is located approximately 65 km northwest of Al-Hudaydah city. Specific locations within the port are included in the Coalition Forces' No Strike List (NSL). Intelligence indicated foreign experts arrived at Al-Salif port to prepare booby-trapped boats for terrorist operations threatening international navigation in the Red Sea.

Based on Article 52 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions and rule 8 of customary international humanitarian law, this location was deemed a legitimate military target. The legal protection for civilian objects was lost due to their use in military operations. Intelligence verification and continuous reconnaissance confirmed foreign experts' presence at specific locations within the port.

On 21 March 2021, at 2:38 a.m., Coalition Forces executed an air mission targeting foreign experts inside a building and hangar at Al-Salif port. Two guided bombs were used to hit these targets. Precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects during planning and execution, following Article 57 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions and rules 15 and 17 of customary international humanitarian law.

Precautionary measures included continuous reconnaissance operations on the target, selecting a suitable time late at night when civilians were unlikely present, using bombs appropriate for the target size, and ensuring no civilians were present before or during targeting.

Post-Mission Analysis

Satellite images studied by JIAT specialists showed traces of bomb impacts on the target area. The military target consisted of foreign experts inside a building and adjacent hangar in Al-Salif port's eastern part. The nearest location on the NSL was found to be safely distanced at 440 meters away from any bomb side effects.

The after-mission report confirmed that two guided bombs successfully hit their intended targets despite high threats from anti-aircraft defenses in the area. Intelligence reports highlighted that Al-Huthi armed militia had used Al-Salif port for terrorist activities threatening Red Sea navigation.

Intelligence Findings

On 9 January 2021, four boats loaded with weapon boxes belonging to Al-Huthi militia arrived at Al-Salif port. By 22 January 2021, suspicious activities involving booby-trapped boats similar to those used in attacks on Farasan Island were observed. Continuous reconnaissance confirmed foreign experts moving into nearby buildings and hangars for equipping these boats.

In light of these findings, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces' actions against legitimate military targets were correct under international humanitarian law and its customary rules. The procedures followed ensured compliance with legal standards while addressing threats posed by foreign experts preparing booby-trapped boats for terrorist operations.

With inputs from SPA