Calls for investigation into the use of internationally banned 'Houthi' shells

Aden (Yemen) – Agencies: Authorities of the internationally recognized Yemeni government have called for investigations following reports that the Houthi militia used shells suspected of containing internationally banned toxic substances. This was stated in a report published by the Yemeni News Agency, which noted: “The local authority in Taiz Governorate received field reports from several fronts in the governorate, most recently from the Al-Aqroud and Kuhlan fronts, regarding the use of shells by the terrorist Houthi militia that are suspected of containing toxic materials banned under international law. These reports point to similar previous incidents in which civilians and members of the Popular Resistance suffered from suffocation, some with loss of consciousness, necessitating urgent verification of the causes of these symptoms and their link to substances emitted by the shells, as well as documenting cases, testimonies, and medical reports, and identifying the nature of the materials used.”

The agency added in its report: “The local authority emphasizes the importance of relevant state authorities conducting an urgent technical investigation, documenting the facts and any associated health effects, and determining the nature of these materials. It also calls on the United Nations and relevant international bodies to support investigation efforts to ensure the truth is revealed and those responsible are held accountable for any proven use of banned substances.”

For his part, the Yemeni Army announced that it carried out 749 targeting operations against the Houthi militia over the past 24 hours, stating that these operations neutralized 239 of the group’s leaders and members, and destroyed or damaged 117 vehicles and combat equipment. This was announced in a military statement regarding developments in the ongoing military operation “Fajr al-Yemen” (Yemen’s Dawn), launched against the Houthis on various fronts since October 5, “to restore state institutions from the Houthis and regain control of the capital, Sana’a,” according to Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council.

The army stated that its forces continued offensive operations within the framework of the campaign, carrying out 749 “precise targeting operations” against Houthi military capabilities across various fronts and axes over the past 24 hours. It clarified that the operations targeted field command centers, fortifications, reinforcements, and the group’s movement and supply means. The army added that the strikes contributed to “suppressing fire sources, disrupting the militia’s field command, and depriving its forward positions of support and resupply.”

In Taiz Governorate (southwest), the army announced that its forces and the Popular Resistance continued to consolidate their field gains and expand pressure on Houthi positions, without specifying the areas affected by these movements. It pointed to the continuation of offensive operations on the fronts of Al-Jawf, Marib, and Al-Bayda, alongside the southern and southwestern fronts. According to the statement, the operations resulted in the “neutralization of 239” Houthi leaders and members, and the destruction or damage of 117 vehicles, armored units, and combat equipment.

The army affirmed its continuation of missions in accordance with the operational plan, while taking what it described as “necessary precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects.”