[22/09/2026 01:21]

ADEN-SABA

The Ministry of Human Rights has strongly condemned a Houthi ballistic missile attack on a popular market outside the Bab al-Mandab Commercial Complex in al-Hajaf area of Al-Mudharaba and Ras al-Arah District, Lahj Governorate, which injured several civilians and damaged commercial property and vehicles.

In a statement, the ministry said the market was struck by two ballistic missiles on Monday, nearly an hour apart, during midday when the area was crowded with shoppers and passersby. Surveillance footage captured the missiles striking the market, while preliminary information on their launch times and trajectories indicated that they were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Al-Sabrah District, Ibb Governorate.

The ministry said the attack was part of a recurring pattern documented during the years of war, in which the Houthis have targeted populated areas following battlefield losses at their military positions and gatherings, with civilians bearing the consequences.

It stressed that attacking a civilian market constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, adding that deliberately directing attacks against civilians amounts to a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The ministry said it would continue gathering information, verifying the extent of casualties and damage, and documenting the incident. It called on the international community, the United Nations and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen to clearly condemn such attacks, exert serious pressure to halt attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

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