Riyadh: A statement was issued by the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) regarding the allegation that the Coalition Forces targeted the governorate building in Zinjibar Directorate of Abyan Governorate on June 4, 2015. The report addresses claims from the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Human Rights in Yemen (NCIAVHR) that an airstrike occurred at 11:00 am on that day.
According to Saudi Press Agency, JIAT conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing various documents such as air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, mission execution procedures, and after mission reports. Satellite images and a field visit report by JIAT specialists were also analyzed. The investigation included an examination of the Coalition Forces' rules of engagement, International Humanitarian Law, and customary rules. JIAT determined that the governorate building in question is located in the southwestern part of Abyan Governorate.
The specialists' analysis of satellite images taken after the alleged incident showed no signs of aerial targeting on the building. During a field visit to the site on February 29, 2021, JIAT identified damage caused by clashes involving surface weapons on the building and its fences but could not attribute the damage to aerial activity.
Further examination of Coalition Forces' operations revealed that no air missions were conducted in Abyan Governorate on June 4, 2015. The review extended to the day before and the day after the alleged incident, confirming that no air missions took place on June 3 or June 5, 2015, either.
In conclusion, JIAT found no evidence to support the claim that the Coalition Forces targeted the governorate building in Zinjibar Directorate of Abyan Governorate on June 4, 2015.