IHL & HRL Violations - June 2019

ANSAR ALLAH/HOUTHI MOVEMENT

Abha, Saudi Arabia

On June 12th, Houthi forces attacked the Saudi civilian airport Abha International Airport, launching a cruise missile that struck the airport and injured 26 people. This attack constitutes a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.

Al-Hudaydah Governorate 

On June 17th, a woman was killed and two others were injured when a shell fired by the Houthi militias landed in the midst of a rally of citizens in the city of Hays. Targeting civilians is a violation of rules 3 and 6

On June 24th, a girl was killed and four civilians, including two children, were injured as a result of Houthi shelling in the city of Hays. In a related context, a man was shot and killed by a Houthi sniper outside of his home in the al-Durayhimi District. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.

On June 27th, Houthi forces shelled the 22 May Hospital of Ikhwan Thabet group, burning the second and third floors of the hospital building and destroying the contents of both floors. Attacking a hospital is a violation of rule 35, which prohibits directing an attack against any zone established to shelter the wounded, the sick, and civilians from the effects of hostilities. 

Al Masdar reported that on June 27th, Houthi militias intensified the shelling of houses in the village of Mandhar and that one shell fell on the Tihamah Radio headquarters, killing one citizen and wounding six others, including three journalists. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians, and rule 34, which protects journalists. 

Ta’iz Governorate

A woman and her three daughters were injured when a rocket-propelled grenade fired by the Houthi militia struck their home in northern Ta’iz on June 10th. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.

On June 26th, eight civilians were injured in shelling by Houthi forces of residential neighborhoods of the city of Ta’iz. On the same day, a 16-year-old girl was killed by a Houthi sniper. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians. 

Country-wide

On June 25th, Al Arabiya reported that the Houthi militia blocked a World Food Program shipment that was meant to provide food to approximately 100,000 families. The Houthis claimed that the food was spoiled, however subsequent inspections of the cargo revealed that it was clean. This is a violation of rule 32, which states that resources intended for humanitarian relief must be respected and protected by all parties. 

On June 26th, World Anti-Torture Day, the Association of Mothers of Abductees released a statement saying that 128 abductees had lost their lives as a result of torture in Houthi prisons and calling for the prosecution of those who violate human rights in prison and other detention centers. Torture is a violation of rule 90, which prohibitis torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. 

SAUDI-LED COALITION

San’a Governorate 

In response to the attack on Abha International Airport, the coalition launched retaliatory airstrikes on rebel-held Yemeni capital San’a which are reported to have killed at least six people, including four children. This response is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.

Ta’iz Governorate

On June 28, eight civilians were killed and four were wounded when Arab coalition fighter jets targeted two houses in the Dimnat Khadir district. This strike violates rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.

Al-Dhali’ Governorate

The Yemen Data Project reports that on June 4, three civilians were killed and one was injured in bombings that targeted civilian houses in the Al-Husha district. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians. 

Hajjah Governorate

The Yemen Data Project reports that on June 16, four civilians were killed and five were injured in bombings that targeted civilian houses in the Abs district. This is a violation of rules 3 and 6, which prohibit targeting civilians.