The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) in Yemen denied allegations that Arab coalition forces had targeted Souq al-Raqou in Munabih in Yemen's Saada province and bombed a house in Mahdaidiya in Baqim.
JIAT made its assertion in response to a statement by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen in December entitled: “A third attack within a month on Souq al-Raqou in Saada killing at least 17 civilians,” which included initial field reports indicating that 12 Ethiopians were killed in the attack and 12 others injured.
JIAT reviewed all documents, including procedures and rules of engagement, daily mission schedules, post-mission reports and other information related to the incident.
JIAT's visits to the relevant units, interviews and assessment of evidence, revealed that there was no attack on the market.
Coalition forces did not bomb Souq al-Raqou, but dealt with elements that infiltrated the Saudi border and targeted coalition units.
JIAT said there was possible collateral damage during the clash with the hostile elements.
The Team also referred to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in August 2018 which stated that the coalition naval forces attacked two fishing boats near al-Zaqr island off the Yemeni coast, in the waters controlled by the Yemeni government.
In addition, an article in the New York Times (NYT) published that same month reported that a warship opened fire on the boat, named al-Ameerah, killing three fishermen.
JIAT vetted the incident and reviewed all documents and evidence, including procedures and rules of engagement, and it showed that the naval forces took the necessary measures in both incidents according to rules of engagement.
It also assessed the situation regarding a letter submitted by a citizen who requested compensation after an erroneous strike targeted his house in Saada, killing his father and five members of his family, in addition to the destruction of the house.
JIAT found that the procedures taken by the coalition in dealing with military targets, including Iran-backed Houthi militants, inside a building in Baqim were correct, and in line with International Humanitarian Law.
