Yemen.. Calls to investigate Houthi use of shells suspected of containing internationally banned toxic substances

The authorities affiliated with the internationally recognized Yemeni government called for investigations after reports of the Iranian-backed Houthi group using missiles suspected of containing internationally banned toxic substances. This came in a report published by the Yemeni News Agency, which stated: “The local authority in Taiz Governorate received field reports from a number of the governorate’s fronts, the most recent of which were the Aqroud and Kahlan fronts, regarding the terrorist Houthi militia’s use of shells suspected of containing internationally prohibited toxic substances. These reports refer to previous similar incidents, in which civilians and members of the popular resistance suffered cases of suffocation, some of which were accompanied by fainting, which requires verification.” It is urgent to determine the causes of these symptoms and the extent of their connection to materials emitted from missiles, document cases, certificates and medical reports, and determine the nature of the materials used.”

The agency continued in its report: “The local authority stresses the importance of the relevant authorities in the country conducting an urgent technical investigation, documenting the facts and any health effects associated with them, and determining the nature of these substances. It also calls on the United Nations and relevant international bodies to support the investigation efforts, ensuring that the facts are revealed and those responsible are held accountable for any proven use of prohibited substances.” She added: "The local authority holds the Houthi militias responsible for their attacks and the resulting threat to the lives and safety of civilians, and warns them against continuing escalation or using prohibited combat means, and stresses that any violations proven by investigations will be subject to follow-up and prosecution through the competent legal mechanisms."

The agency added: "The local authority confirms that the armed and security forces will take the necessary measures to deter such attacks and protect civilians, in accordance with their duties and obligations under international humanitarian law, and stresses that the militias will not achieve field gains using prohibited missiles, and will not be able to change reality by terrorizing the population or endangering their lives."