From Haradh to Al-Makhader: April 21st Reveals the Scope of Aggression Against Civilians and Infrastructure
April 21st reveals one of the most dangerous escalations in the US-Saudi-Emirati war of aggression against Yemen. It demonstrates the systematic targeting of essential aspects of daily life, from markets, bridges, and roads to vital facilities and even paramedics, using internationally prohibited weapons such as cluster bombs.
Throughout the years of aggression, this day stands out as a stark example of compounded war crimes that have not only targeted people but also everything that enables them to live, move, and survive.
2015: Market and Bridge Massacres and Targeting of Vital Roads
On April 21, 2015, the aggression’s warplanes committed a massacre in the main market of Haradh city in Hajjah Governorate, resulting in the martyrdom of 14 citizens and the injury of 80 others. Hotels, the port, and the coastline were also targeted, causing widespread destruction of property and economic infrastructure.
In Ibb Governorate, 20 civilians were killed and 16 others wounded in two airstrikes that targeted the Al-Dalil Bridge in Al-Makhader District, a vital road linking Sana’a to several other governorates. This attack was intended to paralyze transportation.
Airstrikes also targeted an entire family in Sa’dah, in addition to injuring a number of African migrants. Communication networks and public roads were also struck, a clear indication of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.
2016: Simultaneous Airstrikes and Shelling on Multiple Fronts
On April 21, 2016, the Saudi-led coalition launched an airstrike on Harib Al-Qaramish District in Ma’rib, coinciding with heavy artillery shelling and gunfire by mercenaries targeting large areas in Taiz, Al-Jawf, Shabwa, and Al-Bayda, targeting civilian homes and farms.
2017: Cluster Bombs and Targeting of Homes and Bridges
On April 21, 2017, five civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes targeting civilian homes in Al-Jawf. There were also casualties in a bombing that struck the Al-Barah Bridge in Taiz.
In Ma’rib, the Saudi-led coalition warplanes dropped a cluster bomb on the Harib Al-Qaramish district, a crime that reflects the use of internationally prohibited weapons. This occurred in conjunction with airstrikes on Sana’a, Sa’dah, Hajjah, Taiz, and Shabwah, in a broad, multi-pronged escalation.
2018: Intense Border Bombardment and Targeting of Farms and Markets
On April 21, 2018, the border districts of Sa’dah were subjected to intense Saudi missile and artillery shelling, resulting in injuries to civilians and damage to their property.
The coalition warplanes also launched dozens of airstrikes on Hajjah and Taiz, targeting civilian farms and markets, and dropped cluster bombs in Al-Jawf, continuing their targeting of food sources and civilian gatherings.
2019: Artillery shelling and sporadic airstrikes
On April 21, 2019, mercenaries targeted areas in Hodeidah with rocket and artillery fire, while warplanes launched an airstrike on Saada, continuing the bombardment.
2020: Intense air escalation on Marib, Al-Jawf, and Sana’a
On April 21, 2020, the aggression’s warplanes launched dozens of airstrikes on Marib, Al-Jawf, and Sana’a, focusing on the districts of Majzar, Sirwah, Al-Hazm, and Nihm, coinciding with artillery shelling on Hodeidah.
2021: Intense airstrikes and continued escalation
On April 21, 2021, warplanes launched 16 airstrikes on Marib and airstrikes on Saada, in addition to six reconnaissance airstrikes on Hodeidah, continuing the military operations.
2022: Violations and Multiple Bombardments
On April 21, 2022, mercenaries targeted areas in Hodeidah, Marib, and Saada with missile and artillery fire, continuing their violations.
Systematic Targeting of Essential Life
The crimes of April 21 reflect a comprehensive pattern of targeting that has affected markets, bridges, roads, and even paramedics, in an attempt to paralyze daily life in Yemen. This record confirms that the aggression was not merely a series of military operations, but a comprehensive war targeting people, their environment, and their means of survival, amidst international silence, while the Yemeni people continue their steadfast resistance, reinforcing the equation of resilience in the face of aggression.