Saudi-led coalition admits ‘mistakes’ in air strike that killed dozens of Yemeni children
The coalition has faced criticism for its campaign of air strikes that has killed civilians and destroyed hospitals and markets
In a rare admission, a US-backed Saudi-led coalition accepted responsibility for an air strike last month on a school bus in northern Yemen that killed scores of people, including at least 40 children.
The statement by the coalition called the attack unjustified and vowed to punish those involved.
The coalition said an internal investigation had “concluded that there were mistakes made in abiding by the rules of engagement”.
The coalition expressed “regret for these mistakes, and offers its condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims and wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.”
The apology on Saturday was as striking as it was unique in a conflict that has now entered its fourth year, where the Saudi-led coalition is seeking to oust Houthi rebels and restore Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
More than 17,000 civilians have been killed or injured since the war began, mostly by air strikes, deepening the world’s worst humanitarian crisis where millions are suffering from hunger, disease and displacement.