Yemeni government forces have released videos depicting armored vehicles deliberately running over Houthi fighters during recent counter-offensives near the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The footage, verified by Reuters, has drawn accusations of war crimes from the Houthi group and prompted an investigation by a Yemeni government brigade.
The videos emerged as government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, recaptured territory previously seized by the Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthi advance last month had caused concern in international markets due to the strategic importance of the strait, a key shipping lane. Fighting continued on Tuesday, with government forces attempting to consolidate gains and besiege Houthi fighters.
The graphic footage, filmed from within the armored vehicles, shows them striking fighters on the ground. Some individuals were armed, while others appeared unarmed and made no attempt to evade the vehicles. In one instance, a vehicle is seen running over an unarmed man with his hands raised. Gunfire is audible throughout the video, and the vehicle's windshield sustains damage from a gunshot.
In response to the videos, a Houthi statement condemned the actions as evidence of war crimes and accused the Saudi regime and its allied factions of brutality. Asil al-Saqladi, spokesperson for the Giants Brigade, the primary government force involved, stated that an investigation was underway. He explained that the brigade had been under the impression that Houthi fighters were surrendering, but some then opened fire on the government forces.
The Saudi-led coalition has not yet commented on the videos or the war crime allegations. The Homeland Shield Forces, another significant government coalition formation, issued a directive urging troops to treat prisoners humanely and adhere to ethical and legal standards, without directly addressing the footage.
Reuters has not independently verified the extent of government territorial gains, and the Houthis deny having lost ground, dismissing government claims of advances as unfounded. The conflict in Yemen, which pits the Houthis against an internationally recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia, continues with intense fighting in other areas, including Taiz.
