Sana'a:The National Human Rights Commission has issued a strong condemnation of the recent airstrikes by Saudi-led forces targeting civilians in the governorates of Sa'ada and Sana'a. The Commission's statement described the attacks, which occurred on Thursday, as horrific massacres against innocent civilians, specifically highlighting the targeting of two farming families in al-Talh, Sahar district of Sa'ada.
According to Yemen News Agency, the initial attack on the farming families was followed by a subsequent strike targeting first responders who were attempting to aid the wounded and recover the bodies. This tactic, known as a "double-tap" strike, was described by the Commission as highly malicious and criminal. The reported toll includes seven people martyred and six wounded, with several bodies, including those of children, torn to pieces and others still missing.
The Commission further reported that the Saudi-led air forces conducted two additional airstrikes on artesian water wells in the village of al-Hattab, Hamdan district of Sana'a governorate. These strikes resulted in the complete destruction of the wells, the death of livestock, and the deprivation of hundreds of families of their primary drinking water source.
The National Commission for Human Rights labeled the targeting of farmers and first responders as flagrant violations of international laws, including the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which protect civilians and medical personnel from such attacks. Additionally, the destruction of the water wells was characterized as an act of war intended to starve the civilian population, a move prohibited by Article 54 of Additional Protocol I.
The Commission emphasized that the pattern of targeting first responders indicates a systematic policy aimed at preventing aid to the wounded, thereby causing further casualties. It held the Saudi regime fully responsible for these actions, stating that evidence has been documented for future prosecution in international courts.
The Commission urged the United Nations, Human Rights Council, and humanitarian organizations to condemn these acts and called for an immediate cessation of arms sales to the Saudi regime, highlighting that these weapons are currently being used against civilians.
Source Yemen News Agency
