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RIYADH, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-led coalition declared responsibility of deadly hotel bombing in Yemen, blaming miscommunication and promising revision of airstrike procedures and compensation of victims, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The announcement came as part of the findings of the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) that initiated an investigation into the Oct, 8 ceremony hall bombing.
JIAT examined all related documents and assessed evidence, including the rules of engagement and the testimonies of concerned personnel and those involved in the incident.
JIAT has concluded that a party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa.
The Air Operations Center in Yemen directed a close air support mission to target the location without obtaining approval from the Coalition command to support legitimacy and without following the Coalition command's precautionary measures to ensure that the location is not a civilian one that may not be targeted, the statement said.
A Coalition aircraft in the area carried out the mission, which resulted in several deaths and injuries, it added.
JIAT has therefore concluded that appropriate action, in accordance with Coalition regulations, must be taken against those who caused the incident, and that compensation must be offered to the families of the victims. Moreover, Coalition forces must immediately review their rules of engagement and update their procedures to ensure adherence in future.
