The United States has reiterated its confidence in the steps taken by the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen to investigate a military operation in the northern region of Saada in August.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen accepted on Saturday the findings of the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) regarding allegations surrounding one of the Arab coalition operations in Saada on August 9.
The US welcomed the outcomes of the probe announced by Saudi Arabia, which bore responsibility for the operation and the precautionary measures to safeguard civilians.
“The United States regards the Saudi-led Coalition's announcement that it will review their rules of engagement, hold those at fault accountable, and compensate victims following the JIAT findings as an important first step toward full transparency and accountability,” the US State Department said in a statement.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition expressed regret over the air strike error and extended its sympathies, condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims.
“The Joint Forces Command will, as soon as the official findings are received, undertake legal proceedings to hold those at fault accountable according to the rules and regulations related to such cases,” it said.
The Pentagon, for its part, also welcomed the Coalition’s announcement.
Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a series of tweets that the Department of Defense appreciated the alliance’s decision “to take legal measures to ensure accountability and make the necessary improvements to its Rules of Engagement to prevent such a tragedy in the future.”
Britain also hailed the findings in the investigation.
“We welcome the speed of the investigation into the incident and the Coalition's announcement of regret and action to address the recommendations of that investigation,” said the British Foreign Office in a statement on Sunday.
London also slammed the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen for their attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and missile launches at Saudi territory, accusing them of showing a reckless disregard for civilian life.
“The Government condemns the attacks against Red Sea shipping, and regular missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, which have been launched by the Houthis with Iranian support,” the statement added.
“Coalition countries have a legitimate right to defend their own territory.”
