CNN reported that the Saudi-led coalition bombed the residence of Judge Yahya Rubaid on 25 January 2016. The Saudi-led coalition airstrike killed seven individuals in total, including Judge Rubaid, his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law, and three of his grandchildren. Previously, Judge Rubaid had prosecuted Yemeni President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi for treason. According to various media sources, the airstrikes wounded an additional five family members and two guards. Saudi coalition spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asseri refuted accusations that the Saudi-led airstrikes had targeted civilian homes.
The use of airstrikes in Yemen is a topic of constant criticism for the Saudi-led coalition. International humanitarian groups have accused the coalition of violating international humanitarian law by targeting civilians with airstrikes. Human Rights Watch has documented over 500 civilian casualties in 36 unlawful airstrikes conducted by the Saudi-led coalition since March 2015. Recent UN reports on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen support the claims of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which estimate the number of civilian casualties at up to 8,100 people. UN spokesman Rupert Colville condemned the military strategies of the warring parties, which have led to over 2,800 civilian deaths in the conflict. Evidence provided by the UN and humanitarian organizations illustrates indisputable violations of international humanitarian law by both parties.
William Jay is an advocacy intern at ADHRB.
