When Markets Become Targets of Saudi Bombing: Massacres Against Civilians and Violations of Civilian Objects
When Markets Become Targets of Saudi Bombing: Massacres Against Civilians and Violations of Civilian Objects
Statement by Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights Condemning the Saudi Attack on Taiz Central Market at the Mawiyah Junction
Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights strongly condemns the crimes and aerial and missile attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects in the governorates of Taiz and Saada, foremost among them the direct targeting of Taiz Central Market at the Mawiyah Junction, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven people and injuries to 40 others, including five children, according to an initial toll. This comes amid continued airstrikes and shelling targeting districts in Saada Governorate, particularly Maran, Baqim, and Saqin, as well as several other Yemeni governorates, including Al-Jawf, Al-Hudaydah, and Ibb.
The number of airstrikes and missile attacks has exceeded 1,059, while Ministry of Health statistics indicate that 67 people have been killed and 107 injured, most of them women and children, since the start of the Saudi escalation on September 3 until today.
The organization considers the targeting of a market crowded with civilians to constitute a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law, which require the protection of the civilian population and civilian objects.
Entesaf condemns the explicit violation of the principle of distinction, under which international humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish at all times between civilians and civilian objects, as set out in Article 48 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1977.
Accordingly, markets, commercial shops, homes, and facilities intended for civilian use remain protected civilian objects. International humanitarian law also prohibits acts of violence whose primary purpose is to spread terror among the civilian population, a rule affirmed by Article 51 of Additional Protocol I and recognized as a rule of customary international humanitarian law. The organization further notes that Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court addresses such conduct within the framework of war crimes.
Entesaf calls for an end to the aggression and the lifting of the Saudi blockade that has continued for 12 years, as well as investigations into all airstrikes and attacks that have targeted residential areas and civilian objects.
The organization also calls for legal accountability for anyone found responsible for committing, ordering, or contributing to violations of international humanitarian law, ensuring that perpetrators do not enjoy impunity, and guaranteeing the protection of markets, residential neighborhoods, civilian facilities, and infrastructure from Saudi attacks.
Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights emphasizes that the protection of civilians is not a favor granted by any party, but a binding obligation under international law. Markets, residential areas, and civilian objects must not be turned into targets of attacks.
The organization renews its call on the international community to move beyond statements and condemnations toward effective measures for investigation, documentation, accountability, prevention of impunity, and reparations and redress for victims, in a manner that ensures the protection of civilians and prevents the recurrence of violations by the Saudi-American aggression against Yemen.
Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights
Sana’a – Republic of Yemen
September 27, 2026