On Tuesday, the Sam Organization for Rights and Freedoms warned in a statement about the hazardous practice of the Houthi militia storing weapons and ammunition in populated areas, which poses a serious risk to civilian life in the event of an explosion. The organization issued this warning following a massive explosion in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, controlled by the Houthi militia, early Monday morning. Reports indicated that the explosion likely resulted from the Houthis attempting to launch a ballistic missile, which caused it to explode during the process.
According to the statement, the explosion occurred at a warehouse near the German-Saudi Hospital on Al-Sittin Street, close to the adjacent Sundus Hotel, resulting in significant damage to the hospital and surrounding homes and instilling fear among residents. The organization emphasized the accountability of those responsible for such violations under international criminal law, given the imminent danger and threat to civilians and residential buildings.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was followed by successive blasts, suggesting the potential detonation of stored ammunition within the warehouse. This led to the Houthis cordoning off Al-Sittin Street completely after the explosion. The group has remained silent, providing no comment on the incident or details regarding the target or the contents of the warehouse.
The organization affirmed that international law, particularly the Geneva and Hague Conventions, underscores the importance of protecting civilians from the dangers of weapons and the necessity of storing them far from civilian congregations and residential buildings. It noted that the repercussions of the explosion and its resulting damage necessitate action from international and UN bodies to investigate the aftermath and hold those responsible accountable for the material and moral harm inflicted on civilians.
Additionally, violent explosions shook the northern part of Sana'a on Monday due to the detonation of weapons storage sites in residential neighborhoods, sending flames and thick smoke into the sky while projectiles flew about. Videos shared by Yemeni activists showed flames rising from sites of the successive and simultaneous explosions.
Similar incidents have occurred repeatedly due to the Houthis' storage of weapons and military equipment in residential areas, often resulting in casualties, injuries, and damage among civilians.
