April 8th: A Bloody Day in the Record of US-Saudi-Emirati Aggression
April 8th marks a bloody milestone in the record of crimes committed by the US-Saudi-Emirati aggression coalition against Yemen, its land and people. On this day, the systematic targeting of all aspects of life is revealed, from residential neighborhoods and farms to schools and health centers.
Throughout the years of aggression, these crimes have been repeated in the same pattern, clearly confirming a systematic policy targeting civilians and destroying infrastructure, in flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.
2015-2016: Targeting Cities and Schools and Expanding the Scope of Aggression
In the first year of the aggression, coalition aircraft directly targeted residential neighborhoods. Dozens were injured when residential buildings in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood of the capital, Sana’a, were bombed, a crime reflecting the deliberate targeting of civilian areas.
In 2016, the pace of attacks escalated, targeting transportation and educational facilities. A civilian vehicle was targeted in the Al-Waziyah district of Taiz governorate, resulting in the death and injury of several civilians, including women. The airstrikes also hit the Sukaynah School, causing extensive damage, in a clear continuation of the targeting of the educational process.
The airstrikes extended to residential neighborhoods and vital areas in the capital, Sana’a, particularly Al-Nahdain and Al-Hafa, causing widespread damage to homes and public and private property.
2017: A Comprehensive Escalation and Multi-Front Attacks
The year 2017 witnessed a significant escalation in military operations. The aggression’s warplanes targeted water sources and farms, as happened in the Al-Barah area of Taiz, resulting in the death of two children—a crime that reveals the direct targeting of the foundations of life.
In the capital, Sana’a, airstrikes targeted public parks and residential areas, while Sa’dah Governorate witnessed the most intense bombardment, with the districts of Al-Dhaher, Baqim, and Kataf subjected to a series of heavy airstrikes. This coincided with attacks on large areas in Hodeidah and Hajjah.
The western coast was not spared either, with the district of Al-Mukha subjected to heavy aerial and naval bombardment, reflecting the diversity of the aggression’s methods and the wide scope of its targeting.
2018: Targeting Farms and Border Areas
In 2018, the aggression continued to target the livelihoods of citizens. Farms in Hodeidah and Taiz were targeted, resulting in casualties and significant damage to the agricultural sector.
In Sa’dah, Saudi missile and artillery shelling continued on border districts, targeting villages and farms, causing livestock deaths and property destruction. This occurred alongside intensive airstrikes on the Baqim district.
2019: Escalation of Bombing and Targeting of Residential Areas
This year witnessed a continuation of the pattern of targeting homes. Civilian houses in Taiz were bombed, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to members of her family—a crime reflecting the ongoing direct targeting of civilians.
Airstrikes also hit areas in Sana’a and Sa’dah, while the city of Hodeidah was subjected to repeated artillery shelling, causing damage to residential neighborhoods and civilian property.
2020: Targeting of Health Centers and a Widespread Air Escalation
In a dangerous escalation, the Saudi-led coalition warplanes targeted quarantine centers in Al-Bayda Governorate, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. This coincided with dozens of airstrikes on Al-Jawf, Ma’rib, Sana’a, and Hajjah.
In Hodeidah, artillery shelling of villages and residential areas continued, while border areas in Sa’dah were subjected to Saudi missile and artillery fire targeting populated villages.
2021-2023: Continued Crimes and a Perpetuated Pattern of Targeting
During these years, the aggression continued to target civilians. A child was killed and his father injured in Al-Dhale’ by artillery shelling, a scene reflecting the ongoing suffering of civilians.
Airstrikes also continued on Ma’rib, Hodeidah, and Sa’dah, with a marked escalation in the use of reconnaissance aircraft. This was accompanied by continued artillery shelling by mercenaries and the establishment of new military fortifications in some areas.
Systematic Targeting and Crimes That Will Not Be Forgotten
April 8th, throughout the years of aggression, stands as a stark example of the systematic targeting policy pursued by the aggression coalition against the Yemeni people. The crimes were not limited to direct killing but extended to the destruction of livelihoods, infrastructure, and basic services. These documented crimes form part of a living national memory and stand as a constant testament to the magnitude of the tragedy and the resilience of a people who faced the aggression with unwavering will, clinging to their right to life, sovereignty, and dignity.