Sana’a: A statement was issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) regarding the allegation that the Coalition Forces carried out an airstrike that partially damaged the emergency department and inpatient clinics in a hospital in the Al-Sawad area in the Sanhan Directorate of Sana’a Governorate on January 13, 2022.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the statement addressed the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) announcement dated January 18, 2022, which reported that an airstrike had partially damaged the hospital facilities. The announcement was based on reports that suggested Coalition Forces targeted a military camp near the hospital.

JIAT conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, reviewing various documents such as air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, execution procedures, after mission reports, video recordings, satellite images, and the Coalition Forces No Strike List (NSL). The investigation also took into account the rules of engagement and principles of International Humanitarian Law.

The JIAT found that the Al-Sawad area is located in the Sanhan Directorate, south of Sana’a City. The initial claim lacked specific coordinates or the name of the hospital in question. The JIAT identified a military camp known as Al-Sawad camp, located near the 48 Model Hospital, which is included in the NSL.

On the date of the alleged airstrike, the Coalition Forces had received intelligence indicating the presence of armories and missile and drone workshops belonging to Al-Houthi armed militia within the Al-Sawad military camp. Consequently, an air mission was executed at 1:20 am targeting these military assets using guided bombs, which successfully hit their intended targets.

The Coalition Forces reportedly took precautions to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian structures. This included acknowledging the proximity of the 48 Model Hospital during the operation’s planning and execution, using guided munitions suitable for the target size, and choosing a late-night operation time to avoid civilian presence.

After reviewing mission reports and video recordings, JIAT confirmed that the bombs hit their designated impact points. Satellite images analyzed post-operation showed that the nearest impact point was 210 meters away from the hospital, a distance deemed safe and outside the range of potential collateral damage. The assessment found no damage to the hospital’s structures or surrounding fence.

Based on their findings, JIAT concluded that the Coalition Forces did not target the emergency department or inpatient clinics of a hospital in the Al-Sawad area on January 13, 2022, as the claim suggested.