Amran: The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) has issued a detailed statement addressing allegations that Coalition Forces targeted a mosque in Al-Sawad, Amran governorate on September 23, 2019. The statement comes in response to an announcement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and humanitarian affairs coordinator in Yemen, which claimed that an airstrike had targeted a mosque in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, JIAT conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, reviewing air tasking orders, mission schedules, execution procedures, after-action reports, satellite images, and conducting field visits. They also held meetings with personnel involved in the planning and execution of air missions, and examined the Coalition Forces' rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
The investigation revealed that the Coalition Forces did not execute any air missions in Amran governorate on the date of the alleged incident. Instead, on September 22, 2019, intelligence indicated that Al-Houthi armed militia was preparing a major attack in Harf Sufyan directorate. Acting on this information, the Coalition carried out a mission targeting legitimate military objectives in line with international humanitarian law.
The operation employed guided bombs to minimize collateral damage, and precautions were taken to ensure no civilians were present during the strike. JIAT's review of satellite images showed the targeted room was in a remote area, with no clear signs of civilian use or proximity to civilian infrastructure.
Despite the claim that a mosque was targeted, JIAT found no evidence supporting the presence of a mosque at the location. The investigation suggested the possibility that the room could have been used for prayer, but this was not conclusively established.
In conclusion, JIAT affirmed that the actions of the Coalition Forces adhered to international humanitarian law, and recommended that Coalition states consider providing voluntary assistance for any damage caused if the room was indeed used for prayer.