Yemeni Authorities: Reports of Houthi Militias Using Shells Suspected to Contain Toxic Materials in Taiz

The local authority in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate announced on Wednesday that it had received field reports alleging that Houthi militias had used shells suspected of containing toxic substances on fronts in the mountainous rural areas south of the besieged city. It called for an urgent technical investigation to determine the nature of these substances and their health impacts.

In a statement, the local authority clarified that previous reports indicated civilians and members of the Popular Resistance had suffered from suffocation and fainting following similar incidents. It stressed the need to document cases, testimonies, and medical reports, and to verify the nature of the substances emitted by the shells.

It urged relevant state authorities, the United Nations, and specialized international organizations to support investigations, document the facts, uncover the circumstances, and hold accountable those responsible for any proven use of internationally prohibited substances.

The local authority placed responsibility for the attacks and any resulting threats to the lives and safety of civilians on the Houthi militias, warning against continued escalation or recourse to banned means of warfare.

It affirmed that these practices would not deter the armed forces and the Popular Resistance from continuing to confront the militias and reclaim areas under their control.

It emphasized that the armed forces and security agencies would take necessary measures to protect civilians and deter attacks, in accordance with their duties and obligations under international humanitarian law.