Riyadh: A statement has been issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) regarding the allegation that the Coalition Forces targeted a tractor in the Yasnam area of the Baqim Directorate in Sa'ada Governorate on January 2, 2018.

According to Saudi Press Agency, JIAT investigated the incident and reviewed various documents, including air tasking orders, mission schedules, execution procedures, after-mission reports, satellite images, and the rules of engagement of the Coalition Forces. The principles of International Humanitarian Law were also considered. JIAT found that the claimed location, Yasnam sub-district, is situated in the Baqim Directorate in the northwestern part of Sa'ada Governorate, though no specific coordinates were provided.

During a study of the air missions conducted by the Coalition Forces on the date in question, JIAT discovered that the Coalition Forces had observed a vehicle used by Al-Houthi fighter elements advancing toward battle fronts near Saudi Arabia's international borders. During that period, Al-Houthi armed militia were actively mobilizing fighters and engaging with Coalition Forces, rendering the vehicle a legitimate military target under Article 52 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions.

Verification was achieved through continuous monitoring, which confirmed the vehicle's military use, aligning with rule 16 of customary international humanitarian law. Consequently, at 6:42 am on January 2, 2018, Coalition Forces executed an air mission using a guided bomb to target the vehicle, which was confirmed as a legitimate military asset.

Precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, including using a single guided bomb and ensuring no civilians were present before and during the operation. These actions were in accordance with Article 57 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, as well as rules 15 and 17 of customary international humanitarian law.

JIAT's assessment of post-mission reports and satellite images revealed that the targeted location was devoid of civilian infrastructure and situated on vacant land without paved roads or construction sites. As a result, JIAT concluded that the Coalition Forces' actions were correct and adhered to International Humanitarian Law, refuting the claim that a tractor at a construction site in Yasnam was targeted.