The joint team denies that the coalition targeted the villages of Bani Zila and Zila'a under the pretext of
The Joint Incidents Assessment Team in Yemen issued an official and detailed statement refuting the allegations contained in the report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen, which claimed that Coalition forces targeted the villages of Bani Zila’ and Zila’a in the Midi district of Hajjah Governorate. The team clarified that these allegations, which referred to airstrikes on September 27, 2015, were unfounded, following extensive and comprehensive investigations based on military documents and field evidence.
Details of the investigation and methodology used
In keeping with its commitment to transparency and professionalism, the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) followed a rigorous methodology to verify the claim. The investigation included a comprehensive review of the daily tasking order, air mission orders, and post-mission reports, as well as an examination of satellite imagery and the Coalition's rules of engagement. Following a thorough examination of the operational area, the team determined that the two villages in question are located in the northeastern part of the Midi district.
Returning to the military records for the date of the alleged incident (September 27, 2015), the team confirmed that Coalition forces did not conduct any air operations in that area. To further confirm this, the team extended its investigation to include the preceding day (September 26) and the following day (September 28). The findings concluded that there was no Coalition air activity in the Midi district during these three days, definitively refuting the allegations.
The role of the joint team and the legal context
This statement comes within the context of the vital role played by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) as an independent body tasked with verifying the facts related to military operations in Yemen and ensuring their compliance with the principles and provisions of international humanitarian law and its customary rules. The team's work reflects the Arab Coalition's commitment to supporting legitimacy in Yemen, its adherence to international standards, its protection of civilians, and its willingness to respond with evidence and proof to any reports that may contain erroneous or inaccurate information.
Strategic and geographical importance
It is worth noting that Hajjah Governorate, specifically the Midi District, is a strategically important area due to its geographical location near the Yemeni-Saudi border and its access to the Red Sea. These areas have witnessed various military events during the years of conflict, making the documentation and investigation of alleged incidents there crucial to ensuring the truth and refuting rumors that might be used for political or media purposes. This is a key focus of the Joint Team's periodic reports.
