Lest We Forget: Crimes of Aggression Against Yemen’s Civilization and Ancient Historical Heritage

The aggression against Yemen was not limited to direct killing and a suffocating blockade; it extended to a more heinous crime: targeting Yemen’s historical and cultural identity. This report sheds light on one of the most dangerous cultural war crimes committed by the aggressor states, led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in an attempt to destroy the collective memory of Yemenis and uproot their historical roots, which extend deep into ancient civilizations.

The importance of this report lies in its documentation of the deep-seated hatred harbored by the aggressor states toward Yemen’s historical heritage. It presents evidence of the deliberate targeting of archaeological sites and historical cities, not only through bombing but also through organized looting and smuggling of antiquities, as part of a modern colonial project.

Yemen’s Civilization: A Systematic Target of Aggression

Yemen is not a mere footnote in human history; it is the cradle of ancient civilizations, such as Saba, Ma’in, Himyar, and Qataban, which left behind priceless monuments and artifacts. This historical depth has made Yemen a target of aggression seeking to obliterate one of the most deeply rooted pillars of Arab and human memory.

In this context, the countries of the aggression coalition led by the United States and Saudi Arabia launched direct strikes on more than 100 archaeological landmarks, including cities, museums, sites, mosques, fortresses, and historical castles. At the forefront of these were the Yemeni historical cities registered on the World Heritage List, namely: Historic Sana’a, parts of whose unique mud-brick buildings were destroyed by bombing; Historic Zabid, which witnessed repeated bombing of its surroundings and damage to its archaeological structure; in addition to another city such as Kawkaban in Al Mahwit Governorate, and other cities of historical value, at a time when they did not represent any military target at all. We also cannot forget the destruction and devastation that befell the historic city of Baraqish as a result of bombing it five times in succession.