Amnesty International: Evidence of War Crimes by Parties in Yemen

Amnesty International states that the killing of civilians in the battles in Yemen due to airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, as well as counterattacks by the Houthis and their allies on one side and their opponents on the other, provides evidence of war crimes. This international organization criticized the coalition's attacks and ground conflicts that disregard civilian lives on August 18. According to Amnesty International, there is 'no safe place for civilians' in these attacks. Donatella Rovera, the organization's senior emergency advisor, says 'civilians in southern Yemen are caught between the warring parties, namely the Houthis and their opponents, while facing the threat of coalition airstrikes. All parties in this crisis have shown a blatant and cruel disregard for the situation of civilians.' Amnesty International is investigating eight airstrikes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition that resulted in the deaths of 141 civilians and injuries to 101 others, with most victims being women and children. Evidence suggests that these attacks occurred in densely populated areas and targeted schools and residential homes. The organization is also conducting investigations into 30 attacks in Aden and Taiz carried out by Houthi armed forces with the support of supporters of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, which resulted in at least 68 civilian deaths. Ms. Rovera states that the number of civilian casualties reflects the true horror of this war and its long-term impact on people's lives. Ground battles in Yemen are currently mainly between Houthi rebels and their supporters, especially forces allied with Ali Abdullah Saleh, and on the other side, forces supporting exiled President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. In recent days, reports of heavy clashes, including in Taiz, have emerged, where Hadi's supporters have made advances against the Houthis and their allies. Hadi's supporters, with coalition support, have taken control of provinces in the south, while northern Yemen and the capital Sana'a remain largely under Houthi control.