Iran Condemns Saudi War Crimes in Yemen, Says Targeting Civilians Constitutes War Crimes
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Saudi airstrikes on Yemen that killed 66 civilians, including 13 children in Al-Waziyah district of Taiz and 33 people, including women and children, in Al-Shariyah village in Bani Hashish district, Sana’a province.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry also condemned the targeting of Al-Masirah Network’s media crew while carrying out their journalistic duties, as well as continued violations of Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the ongoing economic and air blockade.
The ministry stressed that continued aggression and blockade flagrantly violate international law and Islamic principles, emphasizing that attacks on civilians and non-military facilities breach the UN Charter and international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes.
Iran called for an immediate halt to military attacks, the complete and unconditional lifting of the blockade, and respect for the Yemeni people’s right to self-determination and to manage their own affairs without foreign interference.
The Saudi enemy has been waging an aggression against Yemen since March 2015, with attacks repeatedly striking civilian homes, marketplaces, populated areas, farms and essential infrastructure.
Journalists and media crews documenting the consequences of these attacks have also faced threats and targeting, raising serious concerns over the safety of media workers and the ability to document civilian casualties and destruction.
The latest incident in Al-Shariyah occurred amid a Saudi escalation that has killed and wounded dozens of civilians, including women and children, while rescue workers were also reportedly targeted as they attempted to assist survivors.
The targeting of journalists documenting these crimes further threatens press freedom and efforts to expose violations against the Yemeni population.