US-GAO report states the complicity of the United States in war crimes in Yemen
A new report issued by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the congressional oversight body, revealed serious gaps in the US government’s control of how weapons sold to Saudi Arabia and the UAE are used, especially those used in the war against Yemen, after international reports proved war massacres were committed against children and civilians.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) and others said in a report: “These findings show that Congress needs to get more involved in these arms sales.” The HRW already warned years ago that US-made weapons sold to Saudi Arabia and the UAE might be used to commit war crimes in Yemen, and that US officials might be involved.
“We have demanded that these sales be suspended, successive administrations have argued that they have been tracking civilian casualties in Yemen and helping the coalition mitigate them through better targeting,” the organization added.
However, the GAO report says otherwise, which was obtained by the Human Rights Watch, as it indicates that “they likely have not done enough.” Despite credible reports from the United Nations and civil society monitors detailing violations of the laws of war and potential war crimes, the Departments of State and Defense cannot, according to the report, “provide evidence” that shows they have investigated any potential unauthorized use of the arms equipment transferred to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.
“Congress should pressure the GAO to publish the full report,” it added. US officials are said to try to redact parts before they are published, which could obscure important findings.
The State Department urged implementation of the report’s recommendations, including a call for the Office of Political-Military Affairs to develop “specific guidelines for investigating any indications that Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates have used US-origin defense articles in Yemen” in ways that violate international law.
Moreover, it stressed of the publication of a Law on the Protection of Civilians in Military Operations, which was passed in May among other things. This legislation would create a center within the Pentagon to support the United States government in the cause of civilian harm.
The US state department also noted that the disclosure of the Government Accountability Office report comes at a time when President Joe Biden plans to travel to Saudi Arabia, noting that during the election campaign, Biden promised not to sell weapons or buy oil. However, as he took office, he lobbied Congress to approve more arms sales to the kingdom.
Without the ability to effectively monitor how the Saudis and their allies use US-made weapons, or if US training and support mitigate civilian harm, the United States risks more than its values and risks being complicit in the same crimes,” Human Rights Watch concluded.