Footage verified by Reuters depicts government-aligned troops running over Houthi fighters near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, prompting accusations of war crimes.
Key facts
- •The fighting centers on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital area for global oil markets.
- •The videos show vehicles striking individuals who were sitting, lying, or crouching on the ground.
- •The Homeland Shield Forces issued a directive on Tuesday regarding the treatment of prisoners following the video's release.
- •The Houthis have denied losing territory, contradicting government claims of a successful counter-attack.
- •Rights groups have previously accused the Houthis of various war crimes, including the use of child soldiers and the abuse of prisoners.
Video footage posted by Yemeni government forces shows troops driving armoured vehicles over opposing Houthi fighters during a counter-attack near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday. The incident occurred as Saudi-backed government forces attempted to recapture territory lost to the Iran-backed Houthis last month. The videos, which were verified by Reuters, show the vehicles striking both armed and unarmed individuals.
Details of the Incident
The footage, filmed from inside the armoured vehicles, shows fighters being struck while walking, running, or crouching on a sandy shore. In one instance, a vehicle hits an unarmed man who is running and another who is crouching, then loops back to drive over two additional unarmed men who have their hands raised. Gunfire is audible in the recording, and a vehicle's windscreen is shown cracked by a gunshot.
Military and Political Response
The Houthis have condemned the videos as evidence of war crimes, characterizing them as reflective of the Saudi regime and its mobilized factions. While the Saudi-led coalition and the Giants Brigade did not provide immediate comment, the Homeland Shield Forces issued a directive on Tuesday instructing troops to adhere to ethical and legal standards regarding the treatment of prisoners. The Houthis have denied losing ground, labeling government claims of advances as baseless.
Timeline
- Last monthHouthi fighters captured territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- MondaySaudi-backed government forces launched a counter-attack to recapture the area.
- TuesdayFighting continued as government forces besieged a military camp and pushed into eastern hills.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al-Monitor, Cyprus Mail, Straits Times World.
