Wrong Information Led to Sanaa Strike: Probe Team

Riyadh — Wrong information led to the bombing of a ceremony hall in Sanaa last weekend, according to a report issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) constituted to probe the incident.

It said “a party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff” passed wrong information that the hall was packed with Houthi rebels.

The party insisted the location was “a legitimate military target,” the statement said.

It also said the Air Operation Center in Yemen directed a “close air support mission” to target the site without getting approval from the Coalition’s command.

JIAT recommended disciplinary proceedings against those who caused the incident and compensation for victims’ families. “JIAT has found that because of non-compliance with Coalition rules of engagement (ROEs) and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information a Coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries,” it said.

“Appropriate action… must be taken against those who caused the incident, and… compensation must be offered to the families of the victims.”
The investigation team called on the Coalition to “immediately review their rules of engagement.”

JIAT is still gathering and analyzing data related to the incident, such as reports about some sides that used this erroneous bombing to increase the number of victims. It will announce the results as soon as its investigations are complete.

(Source: SaudiGazette.com.sa)