March 18th: A Day That Reveals the Extent of the Aggression’s Crimes Against the Land and People of Yemen
In the context of the ongoing war on Yemen, March 18th stands out as a day that clearly reveals the systematic targeting perpetrated by the US-Saudi-Emirati aggression against the Yemeni people, their livelihoods, and the very foundations of their survival.
On this day, during the various years of aggression, the airstrikes were not limited to military targets, but extended to homes, farms, sheep pastures, and service facilities, in a scene that reflects a war targeting life in all its aspects.
The events of this day document a series of crimes that included aerial and artillery bombardment, the use of internationally prohibited weapons, and the direct targeting of civilians in villages and border areas, resulting in martyrs, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure and property.
2016: Targeting Residential Areas and Pastures
On March 18, 2016, three civilians were injured in five airstrikes launched by the Saudi-led coalition on Jabal al-Sama’ in the Arhab district of Sana’a Governorate. Two airstrikes also targeted the al-Arqoub area in the Khawlan district.
In the capital, Sana’a, three airstrikes targeted the al-Nahdain area in the al-Sabeen district, causing significant damage to homes and shops.
The airstrikes extended to Ma’rib Governorate, where airstrikes targeted Jabal Hilan and the al-Ghadu area in the Sirwah district, resulting in the death of a large number of sheep. This was a direct attack on the livelihoods of civilians. Airstrikes also targeted the al-Makhdara area in al-Jada’an.
2017: Widespread Air and Sea Escalation
On March 18, 2017, a woman and her two daughters were injured in an airstrike that targeted a house in the al-Ja’malah area of the Majz district in Sa’dah Governorate. The coalition also launched intensive airstrikes on various areas throughout the governorate.
In a significant escalation, Apache helicopters belonging to the Saudi-led coalition targeted areas in Jizan with dozens of missiles.
Airstrikes were also launched on the Asilan district in Shabwa, the Sharaijah area in Lahj, and the Sirwah district in Ma’rib. Meanwhile, the Nihm, Arhab, and Bilad al-Rus districts in Sana’a were subjected to a series of airstrikes, resulting in damage to farms and civilian property.
On the western coast, coalition warships targeted the Mocha district with nine missiles, coinciding with airstrikes on the Al-Amri, Dhubab, and Yakhtal schools, and intense aerial and naval bombardment of the coastline.
Additionally, airstrikes were launched on the Haradh and Midi districts in Hajjah Governorate and one airstrike on the Al-Maslub district in Al-Jawf Governorate.
2019: Heavy Bombardment and Escalation on Several Fronts
On March 18, 2019, a civilian was killed and another wounded by Saudi border guard fire in the Al-Raqw area of the Munabbih district in Sa’dah Governorate. The Razih district was also subjected to missile fire targeting populated villages. The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on the governorates of Al-Jawf and Hajjah, while Hodeidah witnessed a significant escalation, with mercenaries targeting civilian farms in Al-Fazah and south of At-Tuhayta with 51 artillery shells.
Residential neighborhoods in Hodeidah city were also subjected to heavy shelling, including 50th Street and the 7th of July area. Mercenaries fired 29 missiles and 432 artillery shells at various locations, coinciding with the establishment of new fortifications.
The coalition also launched intensive airstrikes on the governorates of Sana’a and Sa’dah, targeting the districts of Nihm, Kataf, Baqim, Razih, Shada, and Adh-Dhaher.
2020: Landmines Continue to Claim Lives
On March 18, 2020, a child was killed and another injured by a landmine left over from the aggression in Al-Ghayl district of Al-Jawf governorate.
Two civilians were also injured by Saudi missile and artillery shelling that targeted Razih district, with the shelling extending to Ghamr district.
The Saudi-led coalition launched 11 airstrikes on the Sarwah district in Ma’rib governorate and one airstrike on the Abs district in Hajjah governorate.
In Hodeidah governorate, heavy shelling continued, with mercenaries targeting various areas with more than 130 shells and rockets, in addition to shelling Hodeidah airport, 50th Street, and the city of Ad Durayhimi.
2021: Continued Border and Air Bombardment
On March 18, 2021, three civilians were wounded by Saudi border guard fire in the Ar Raqw area of the Munabbih district in Sa’dah governorate.
The coalition launched ten airstrikes on the Sarwah district and one airstrike on the Madghal district in Ma’rib governorate. It also targeted the Abs, Hayran, and Midi districts in Hajjah governorate.
In Hodeidah governorate, reconnaissance aircraft launched six airstrikes on Kilo 16 and the city of Ad Durayhimi, coinciding with artillery and rocket fire targeting various areas.
2022: Cluster Bombs and Border Tragedies
On March 18, 2022, a civilian and three African migrants were injured by Saudi artillery shelling in the Al-Raqw area of Munabbih District, Sa’dah Governorate.
A woman was also injured by a cluster bomb remnant in the Al-Ja’malah area of Majz District.
The Saudi-led coalition warplanes launched airstrikes on Al-Jubah, Al-Wadi, and Sirwah districts in Ma’rib Governorate, and targeted Haradh and Hayran districts in Hajjah Governorate.
In Al-Hudaydah Governorate, reconnaissance aircraft launched airstrikes on Hays District, coinciding with continuous artillery shelling.
2023: Casualties and Continued Escalation
On March 18, 2023, three civilians were killed and six others were injured by Saudi artillery shelling targeting Shada and Munabbih districts in Sa’dah Governorate.
The Al-Hajlah area of Razih District was also subjected to reconnaissance airstrikes targeting civilian property.
In Hodeidah Governorate, reconnaissance aircraft launched seven raids on Hays District, while mercenaries established new fortifications and shelled various areas with artillery and machine guns.
A Systematic Targeting of Life
The crimes of March 18th reveal a clear pattern of systematic targeting that has not been limited to human beings, but has extended to land, agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure, in an attempt to destroy the foundations of life in Yemen.
Between airstrikes, artillery shelling, landmines, and internationally prohibited weapons, this day remains further evidence of the expanding scope of crimes committed by the aggression against the Yemeni people, in a continuous bloody record that will not be forgotten.