Marib: A statement was issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) regarding the allegation that the Coalition Forces targeted Al-Maqqah temple in Sarwah Directorate of Marib Governorate on 14/01/2016.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the eleventh periodic report on the work of the National Commission to Investigate Alleged violations of Human Rights in Yemen (NCIAVHR) had claimed that the Al-Houthi group occupied several archaeological sites in the Sarwah Directorate, including Al-Maqqah temple, using them for military purposes. This reportedly led to the Arab Coalition targeting the temple with an air-to-surface missile, resulting in partial damage to its structures and artifacts.
JIAT conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, reviewing air tasking orders, mission reports, satellite images, and other relevant evidence. The findings revealed that on the claimed date, Coalition Forces responded to a request from legitimate government forces for a close air support mission targeting Al-Houthi armed militia members. The coordinates provided were 350 meters away from Al-Maqqah temple, ensuring a safe distance from the site.
Satellite imagery and video recordings confirmed that the military target was located in a vacant area and that the bomb hit its intended target directly. Furthermore, a review of air missions conducted on the days surrounding the incident date showed no other operations in Sarwah Village.
Ultimately, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target Al-Maqqah temple, as initially alleged, clearing them of any wrongdoing in this specific incident.