Arab Coalition denies targeting house in Yemen

Riyadh - The joint forces is investigating incident considering the methodology of the Houthi militia in storing weapons and explosives inside houses

The Arab Coalition Forces to restore the legitimacy in Yemen has refuted allegations made by some media outlets that a house in the area of Mahdah in the south-west of Saada was targeted by the coalition, killing women and children, and injuring others.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, coalition spokesperson, Colonel Turki Al Malki, said that the joint command, following a thorough review of its operations in the Sa'ada governorate, have found no evidence to support the allegation.
Colonel Al Malki said the coalition forces have been following the statements of the office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, which, he said, "Were based on personal estimates rather than a fair and systematic investigation."
"The statements were apparently issued upon unconfirmed field reports which could have been more accurate if they had patience, credibility and evidence," he added.
Al Malki explained that the joint forces command is currently investigating through available means, in coordination with the legitimate government of Yemen, international partners, and friends, to exchange information on this unfortunate incident, considering the methodology of the Houthi militia in storing weapons and explosives inside houses and civilian structures.
He went on to express his profound regret for any civilian casualties, "Due to hostile acts committed by Houthi militias through futile and deliberate attacks against the innocent and by using civilian homes and civilian structures to conceal all forms of weapons, which is a flagrant violation of international law."
The spokesman stressed the coalition's full commitment to implementing the provisions of law of armed conflict contained in the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols, Articles 51 and 52 in particular, concerning the protection of civilians and civilian structures, added SPA.

• Saudi Arabia
• MENA