JIAT Clarifies Allegations Of Coalition Forces Targeting Medical Supplies Warehouse In Al-Sawad Area

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) has addressed claims that Coalition Forces targeted a medical supplies warehouse in the Al-Sawad area of Sanhan, Sana'a governorate on 1 July 2020. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported airstrikes on that date destroyed a warehouse near a military camp, causing significant damage to the building.

JIAT conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. They reviewed various documents, including air tasking orders, mission schedules, and satellite images. The assessment also considered the Coalition Forces' No Strike List (NSL), rules of engagement, and international humanitarian law principles.

The Al-Sawad area is situated in the southern part of Sana'a city within the Sanhan directorate. The claim lacked specific coordinates or the name of the medical facility allegedly affected. Notably, there is a military camp called Al-Sawad Camp nearby, adjacent to the 48 Model Hospital, which is listed on the NSL.

On 1 July 2020, Coalition Forces received intelligence about an armory belonging to Al-Houthi armed militia inside Al-Sawad military camp. At 10:20 am, they executed an air mission targeting this armory using two guided bombs aimed at precise coordinates in Sana'a city.

The Coalition Forces took feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm during planning and execution. This was in line with Article 57 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law rules. They considered prohibited locations like the 48 Model Hospital during these stages.

Two guided bombs were used, appropriate for the size of the military targets. JIAT's after-mission report confirmed that these bombs accurately hit their intended military target.

Satellite Image Analysis

JIAT specialists analyzed satellite images from after the incident date. They found evidence of aerial targeting at military target sites but no damage to buildings or fences separating them from the 48 Model Hospital. The hospital was located 330 meters away from the target, a safe distance beyond bomb side effects.

Further examination of satellite images showed no signs of aerial targeting on the hospital buildings or annexes after the claimed incident date.

Based on these findings, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target a medical supplies warehouse near a military camp in Al-Sawad on 1 July 2020 as alleged.

With inputs from SPA