UN experts concerned about US drone strikes in Yemen

The United Nations human rights experts have voiced their concern about recent US drone strikes in Yemen, causing civilian casualties.

The UN said in a statement on Thursday that 16 people were killed and 10 others wounded after two wedding processions were targeted by the American unmanned aircrafts in Yemen on December 12.

Local officials said that the victims had been mistakenly identified as members of al-Qaeda group.

“If armed drones are to be used, States must adhere to international humanitarian law, and should disclose the legal basis for their operational responsibility and criteria for targeting,” said Christof Heyns, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

“Yemen cannot consent to violations of the right to life of people in its territory,” he further added.

The United States has launched numerous drone attacks in Yemen that have killed many civilians over the past few years. The drone strikes have claimed numerous civilian lives.

Juan Mendez, UN special rapporteur on torture, also expressed concern about the legitimacy of the recent air raids, saying the countries involved should investigate the incidents and their harm to civilians.

“A deadly attack on illegitimate targets amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment if, as in this case, it results in serious physical or mental pain and suffering for the innocent victims,” Mendez also said.