Sanaa:The National Human Rights Commission has condemned recent airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition that targeted critical infrastructure in Yemen. These strikes included two airstrikes on a telecommunications network in the Al-Uyuf area of Al-Bayda's rural district and an attack on a drinking water tank serving the villages of Al-Aridah and Azzan in the Qads sub-district of Al-Mawasit, Taiz governorate.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Commission has criticized the targeting of the telecommunications network, describing it as an attempt to isolate entire villages from the outside world. The destruction of communication infrastructure is seen as an effort to silence the Yemeni people and sever their means of connection, following unsuccessful attempts to subdue them.
The Commission further stated that attacking telecommunications infrastructure constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law, as it involves civilian objects essential to the population. It is also considered a crime against humanity, depriving citizens of fundamental rights such as communication and access to essential services.
Additionally, the Commission described these actions as part of a "scorched earth" policy by the Saudi-led coalition. Previous targets have included hospitals, schools, and water wells. Attacking a civilian drinking-water reservoir is highlighted as a war crime and a violation of international laws, including Article 54 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits attacking objects indispensable to civilian survival.
The Commission held the Saudi coalition and its allies accountable for the consequences of these actions and urged international bodies, including the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, to condemn these attacks and end the targeting of civilian resources in Yemen.
