Sana'a:Supreme Political Council members Jaber Al-Wahbani and Mohammed Al-Nuaimi laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the Great Hall massacre, which was carried out by U.S.-Saudi-Emirati coalition warplanes on October 8, 2016, during a mourning ceremony for the Al-Ruwaishan family. The attack resulted in the deaths of 160 people and injured 799 others.
According to Yemen News Agency, Al-Wahbani and Al-Nuaimi were accompanied by former Transport Minister Abdulwahab Al-Durra and other Sana'a officials during their visit to the memorial at the Great Hall on the 10th anniversary of the massacre. They recited Al-Fatiha for the victims and all martyrs of Yemen and emphasized that the anniversary serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against Yemenis and violations of international law.
The officials stressed that the Yemeni people would not forget the crimes committed against them or the blood of thousands of martyrs. They described the visit as a reminder of the tragic massacre and one of many crimes committed against Yemenis. Al-Wahbani and Al-Nuaimi noted the similarities between the approaches used in Gaza and those practiced by the Saudi enemy against the Yemeni people. They also recalled historical massacres, such as those of Yemeni pilgrims in Tanuma, and expressed determination to continue pursuing their rights.
They affirmed that the Yemeni people and armed forces are engaged in a battle for dignity and liberation, aiming to restore legitimate rights and national sovereignty. The officials stated that the anniversary is not just an occasion to recall pain but also an opportunity to reaffirm national unity and resolve to confront Saudi aggression until the blockade and occupation end.
They further asserted that the ten years since the massacre have not erased the victims' rights, emphasizing ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable to achieve justice for all victims and their families. They criticized the international community and the United Nations for their silence on crimes against civilians and the continuation of Saudi aggression and blockade against Yemen.
Sana'a Local Council Social Affairs Committee Chairman Hamoud Al-Naqeeb described the massacre as a war crime and genocide, stressing that the perpetrators would eventually be held accountable. Former Transport Minister Abdulwahab Al-Durra reiterated that commemorating the 10th anniversary reaffirms that Yemenis will never forget their martyrs or the crimes committed by the Saudi enemy. He expressed confidence in the Yemeni armed forces' growing strength and anticipated victory on various fronts.
Al-Naqeeb, Services Committee Chairman Adel Al-Aqari, and other Sana'a officials, including Yahya Jameel and Ali Shuraim, also laid wreaths at the graves of Great Hall massacre victims Abdulqader Hilal, Major General Ali Al-Jaifi, and Major General Sadiq Al-Juraiza, and recited Al-Fatiha for their souls and those of all Yemeni martyrs.
