Yemen: On January 14, during the years 2016 and 2018, the US-Saudi coalition perpetuated war crimes and acts of genocide through brutal airstrikes and the use of cluster bombs. These strikes targeted children, homes, water wells, and farmland in the Yemeni provinces of Taiz and Sa'adah.

The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of three children, injuries to two others, and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including a home and a water well. The devastation disrupted the lives of countless families, depriving them of clean drinking water, shelter, and livelihoods, while creating scenes of suffering that shame humanity.

2016: Children’s Innocence Shattered by an Airstrike in Taiz

On a sunny January day in 2016, children joyfully gathered around a small water well in Taiz. Their laughter echoed as they took turns drinking from the well. The simplicity of their lives offered no hint of the tragedy looming overhead.

Suddenly, the sound of US-Saudi warplanes broke the peace. Moments later, a deafening explosion shook the ground. The air filled with smoke, shrapnel, and the cries of the injured. Three innocent children were killed instantly, while a fourth sustained severe injuries.

The aftermath was a scene of chaos and grief. Distraught mothers searched for their children amidst the rubble, while fathers wept silently as they carried lifeless bodies. The well that had once been a source of life now stood as a grim monument to the loss of innocence and the cruelty of war.

2016: Airstrikes Destroy Homes in Sa'adah

On the same day, airstrikes in the Al-Saifi area of Sa'adah destroyed a family’s home, leaving them homeless and in despair. Neighboring houses and farmlands were also severely damaged, compounding the suffering of the local community.

The destruction robbed families of their shelter, livelihood, and security, forcing many to flee their homes in search of safety.

2018: A Cluster Bomb Injures a 13-Year-Old Girl in Sa'adah

In the scenic village of Al-Muqur Azqul in Sa'adah, 13-year-old Nawal Masad Ali went out to graze her family’s livestock. While exploring the area, she stumbled upon a shiny object—a cluster bomb left behind by the coalition.

Thinking it was a toy, Nawal picked it up, triggering a devastating explosion. She suffered severe injuries, including the loss of several fingers, deep wounds across her body, and disfigurement. Nawal’s life was changed forever, as she now faces ongoing medical challenges and psychological trauma.

The Lasting Impact of War on Yemeni Children

These stories are a small glimpse into the suffering endured by Yemeni civilians, particularly children, under the aggression. Cluster bombs and indiscriminate airstrikes have left a legacy of destruction, robbing countless families of their loved ones, homes, and futures.

This continued targeting of civilians is a violation of international law and an affront to humanity. The world must act to end these atrocities, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring justice and peace to Yemen.

A Call for Justice and Peace

Nawal’s story, along with countless others, is a reminder of the urgent need for the international community to intervene, end the aggression, and ensure that such crimes against humanity are never repeated. Yemen’s children deserve a future free from violence—a future filled with hope and opportunity.