Houthi-Saleh Alliance
San’a Governorate
On December 4, 2017, Houthi forces summarily executed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in San’a. This incident violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Yemen is a party.
In the month since the death of Ali Abdullah Saleh, multiple sources have reported that Houthi forces have detained and disappeared hundreds of people in San’a, and have carried out mass executions. Thus far it has been impossible to confirm the extent of these violations.
On December 5, 2017, Houthi rebels held dozens of journalists at a television station in San'a after firing rocket-propelled grenades at the headquarters of the Yemen Al Youm TV channel. This incident violates Customary IHL Rule 96 on taking hostages.
On December 6, 2017, Houthi forces attacked unarmed demonstrators demanding the release of Ali Abdullah Saleh’s body. An unknown number of the protesters were subsequently arrested. This incident violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Yemen is a party.
On December 9, 2017, the Abductees Mothers Association reported that Hussein Abdullah Akhdar, a political prisoner, died from torture inflicted by Houthi personnel in the Political Security Prison. This incident violates the Convention against Torture.
Hajjah Governorate
On December 3, 2017, Houthi forces killed eight civilians from the al-Zurqa family and destroyed the family’s house, along with neighboring residences. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapters 1 and 16.
Yemeni Government and Saudi-led Coalition
Countrywide
According to the Yemen Data Project, the Saudi-led coalition carried out at least 168 air raids on civilians and civilian objects during the first half of December. Data is not yet available for December 16-31, during which period UN officials reported an increase in average daily air raids.
Al-Qaramish District, Marib Governorate
On December 17, 2017, the Saudi-led coalition conducted three airstrikes on cars returning from wedding in central-west Yemen, killing at least eight women and two girls. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
Al-Hudaydah Governorate
On December 13, 2017, at least seven civilians were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on a hospital. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
On December 15, 2017, 20 civilians, including 14 children, were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on a farmhouse in al-Khawkhah district. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
On December 26, 2017, a coalition airstrike killed 14 members of a single family in al-Tuhayta District. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
On December 30, 2017, 20 civilians were reportedly killed in a coalition airstrike on a crowded restaurant in al-Jurahi District. Munitions hit cars in front of the restaurant, killing passengers as well as patrons inside the establishment. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
San'a Governorate
On December 13, 2017, at least 30 prisoners were killed in coalition airstrikes on Houthi-controlled prison facilities. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
On December 9, 2017, four civilians were killed and four civilians were injured in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on the official Yemen TV Channel, Qanat Al Yemen. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
Sa’dah Governorate
On December 20, 2017, at least 11 civilians were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on the country’s north. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.
Ta'iz Governorate
On December 26, 2017, at least 54 civilians were killed and dozens wounded in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Suq al-Shahrah, a popular market in al-Ta’iziyah District. This incident violates Customary IHL Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.