Last Updated: Friday, 19 May 2023, 07:24 GMT

Yemen: Saudi-led coalition says warplane 'wrongly targeted' Sanaa funeral

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 15 October 2016
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Yemen: Saudi-led coalition says warplane 'wrongly targeted' Sanaa funeral, 15 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a1004.html [accessed 19 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Last Updated: October 15, 2016

A demonstration in Sanaa against Saudi-led air strikes on a funeral on October 8 that killed 140 peopleA demonstration in Sanaa against Saudi-led air strikes on a funeral on October 8 that killed 140 people

The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemeni rebels says that one of its warplanes "wrongly targeted" a funeral in the capital, Sanaa, that killed more than 140 people and announced disciplinary proceedings.

A coalition inquiry team said on October 15 that the strike was due to noncompliance with coalition rules of engagement and procedures and the issuing of incorrect information."

The October 8 strike prompted an international outcry and strong criticism, even from Saudi Arabia's closest Western allies.

The White House said on October 14 that it is reconsidering its support for a Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing rebels in Yemen after what one official called the "egregious" attack.

A top administration official told media privately that Washington was particularly angered because "important figures who are part of the reconciliation process" in Yemen were among those killed in the Sanaa funeral attack.

Senior U.S. officials who briefed reporters on October 14 said all U.S. assistance to the Saudi-led coalition is under review because of the attack, including intelligence, logistics, and refueling.

The United States also has supplied Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners in the campaign with over $100 billion in arms.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

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