Findings of probe into Yemen coalition strike disclosed by Joint Incident Assessment Team

By Deputy Chief EditorDecember 25, 2018

169 1 minute read

Author: sarah glubbID: 1545768373220939700Tue, 2018-12-25 22:25

JEDDAH: The Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) on Tuesday disclosed the findings of its probe into allegations that coalition forces backing Yemens internationally recognized government targeted the Fish Wealth Ministry in Hodeidah governorate on Jan. 8, 2018, killing five people and injuring five.
On Jan. 7, credible intelligence sources confirmed the presence of Houthi militiamen at the ministry, supported by foreign experts, said JIAT spokesman Mansour Al-Mansour.
They were preparing a guided missile and boats to threaten maritime navigation and coalition vessels in the Red Sea, he added.
The coalition thus considered the ministry building a legitimate military target, having fulfilled verification standards through credible intelligence in accordance with international humanitarian law, he said.
In striking the ministry building, the coalition was upholding its right to self-defense, guaranteed by international law, and protecting maritime navigation, Al-Mansour said.
JIAT came to its conclusion by evaluating all relevant documents, including rules of engagement, the daily mission schedule, post-mission reports, video recordings and satellite imagery, he added. Video recordings indicated that there were no civilians in the area targeted, he said.

Main category: Saudi Arabia

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