JIAT Clarifies Allegations Of Coalition Forces Targeting Fuel Smugglers In Amran Governorate

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) has addressed allegations concerning Coalition Forces' actions in the Wadi Khaiwan area of Harf Sifyan Directorate, Amran Governorate. The claims suggested that on 20 January 2022, airstrikes by Coalition Forces resulted in one death and one injury among fuel smugglers.

JIAT conducted a thorough investigation into these claims. They reviewed various documents, including air tasking orders, mission schedules, and satellite images. The assessment also considered the rules of engagement and international humanitarian law principles. The investigation revealed that no coordinates for the alleged location were provided.

Upon examining the air missions on 20 January 2022, JIAT found no evidence of any Coalition Forces' operations in Wadi Khaiwan on that date. This finding was consistent with their review of missions conducted one day before and after the claimed date.

On 19 January 2022, JIAT confirmed that there were no air missions by Coalition Forces in the Wadi Khaiwan area. Similarly, on 21 January 2022, an air mission targeted military vehicles belonging to Al-Houthi armed militia. This operation occurred approximately 6,000 meters away from Wadi Khaiwan using a guided bomb.

The comparison between the claim and actual missions showed discrepancies. The claim mentioned three airstrikes in Wadi Khaiwan attributed to Coalition Forces on 20 January 2022. However, JIAT's findings indicated no such missions took place in that area on the specified date.

Based on their comprehensive review, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target fuel smugglers in Wadi Khaiwan on 20 January 2022 as alleged. Their findings suggest that the reported incident did not occur as described in the claims.

With inputs from SPA