A/HRC/30/31
air strikes, while 508 civilians were killed and 954 injured by joint operations led by the
Popular Committees and military forces loyal to former President Saleh in ground battles.
Furthermore, 54 civilians were killed and 234 injured as a result of other armed
confrontations between parties to the conflict, while at least 24 civilians were killed and 65
injured in attacks claimed by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula,10 mainly in Sana’a, Aden
and Taizz.
29.
OHCHR received reports that at least 310 civilian infrastructures were partially or
completely destroyed by coalition air strikes and ground fighting throughout the country
from 26 March to 30 June 2015. They included 160 private homes and 150 civilian public
infrastructures that were partially or completely destroyed by the armed conflict. Of the
civilian public infrastructures, 95 civilian public buildings were affected by coalition air
strikes while 48 were damaged by shelling attributed to the Popular Committees. In
addition, four civilian public buildings were partially or completely destroyed by the local
armed groups opposing the Houthis as a result of armed clashes between the two opponent
groups. Lastly, at least three civilian public buildings were partially or completely
destroyed as result of attacks claimed by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
30.
According to information received, at least 15 heritage sites, including the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site
of Old Sana’a and the Seera Castle in Aden were damaged by the armed conflict between
26 March and 30 June 2015. Sites were damaged by included air strikes, rocket attacks,
artillery shelling and ground fighting. Sites were also used for military advantage by
members of the Popular Committees and military units loyal to former President Saleh.
31.
In addition, according to information available to OHCHR, 53 health facilities were
damaged or affected, and 96 schools were damaged, while 67 were used by armed groups
in the 18 governorates affected.11
32.
According to satellite imagery acquired by the United Nations Institute for Training
and Research Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNITAR-UNOSAT) on 7
January and 17 May 2015, a total of 1,171 structures had been affected by the conflict:
approximately 273 structures had been destroyed, 271 were severely damaged and 627
moderately damaged. In addition, 35 impact craters were found within the city, the majority
of which were located along the runway of Sadah City Airport. Four medical facilities were
identified within 100 metres of damaged and destroyed buildings; it is possible that they
also sustained some damage. This is a preliminary analysis and has not yet been verified in
the field by OHCHR. Data will be cross-referenced and verified with the figures collected
above in due course.
1.
Allegations of violations and abuses by the Popular Committees and forces loyal to Ali
Abdullah Saleh
33.
OHCHR received reports that the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis
launched attacks that damaged public schools, mosques and Koranic schools. For example,
10
11
8
Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni chapter of Al-Qaida, is the result of the union of the
Saudi and Yemeni branches of Al-Qaida in January 2009. Its stated objectives include the overthrow
of the regime in Sana’a, and to kill Western nationals and their allies, including members of the Saudi
royal family. The group has been in conflict with the Government of Yemen since its establishment.
The Houthi advance has resulted in violent clashes with its fighters and has emboldened Al-Qaida in
the Arabian Peninsula in its quest to expand their control and recruit fighters from Sunni tribes,
claiming that the Houthis are Shia forces supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 2015 Yemen Humanitarian Needs Overview 23
June 2015.
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