Entesaf Condemns Saudi Escalation and Targeting of Residential Areas and Civilians in Saada Governorate

On Sep 22, 2026

Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights strongly condemns the ongoing Saudi military escalation in Saada Governorate and the repeated targeting of border and populated areas with missiles and artillery shells, in a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law and the principles governing the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

According to local sources, the districts of Al-Dhahir, Ghamr, Razih, Haydan, and Maran came under missile and artillery fire, including attacks on the residential area of Talan, west of Haydan District, and on the populated areas of Maran. The sources also reported that Ghamr District was subjected to more than 20 missiles and artillery shells, while Haydan and Al-Dhahir districts had previously been subjected to more than 135 missiles and artillery shells over a short period, amid reports that border areas continue to be targeted on a daily basis.

Entesaf Organization stresses that deliberately directing attacks against residential areas, or conducting attacks without adequately respecting the principle of distinction between civilians and military objectives, together with failure to take the necessary precautions to spare civilians from the effects of attacks, raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. Parties to an armed conflict are required to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions during military operations and to protect civilians and civilian objects from the effects of hostilities.

The organization warns of the serious humanitarian consequences of this escalation for women and children, who face increasing risks amid continued shelling near residential areas. Such attacks threaten lives and security, damage property, and deepen the suffering of civilian families.

Entesaf Organization calls for an immediate cessation of attacks that place civilian lives at risk and demands full respect for international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, as well as the protection of women, children, and civilian objects from the effects of military operations.

The organization also calls on the United Nations and relevant international human rights mechanisms to fulfill their responsibilities by documenting and independently and transparently investigating alleged violations, ensuring accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, providing redress to victims, and ensuring reparations for damage inflicted upon civilians and their property.

Entesaf Organization reiterates that the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, is not an optional or secondary measure but a legal obligation that must be respected. Continued impunity for violations must not prevent the adoption of effective international measures to protect civilians and prevent the recurrence of such violations.

Issued by: Entesaf Organization for Women and Child Rights

22 September 2026