Saudi Arabia accused of using cluster bombs in Yemen air strikes

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition has been accused by Human Rights Watch of using cluster munitions outlawed in much of the world in its campaign in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

In a report on Sunday, HRW said it had evidence of the coalition's use of cluster munitions in recent weeks in the Houthi heartland region of Sa'ada near the Saudi border, and that such munitions were "putting local people in danger".

"These weapons should never be used under any circumstances because of their long-term threat to civilians," said Steve Goose, HRW's arms director.

The use of such arms has been prohibited by a 2008 treaty adopted by 116 countries, but not the US, Saudi or Yemen.

HRW said the cluster bombs identified from video reports were a US weapon that engages targets such as armoured vehicles, and is "equipped with self-destruct and self-deactivation features".

Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed al-Asiri dismissed the report as "incredible" and said HRW had "answered its own question" when it noted that the bombs were used to target vehicles, not people.

He declined to comment further on the coalition's use of such arms, but suggested HRW instead focus on the many rights violations carried out by the Houthi rebels, whom he claimed had been attacking the population and putting people in danger by using civilian infrastructure during the war.

Rising civilian casualties and regional tensions prompted the US to pressure the Saudi coalition to end its massive aerial bombardment of Houthi rebels and their allies, armed units loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The coalition is backing local groups of civilian fighters and regular army units loyal to the president, Abd Rabbu Hadi.

The conflict in Yemen, where the Saudi-led coalition of Sunni states has lined up against the Iran-allied Zaydi Shia Houthi militia, is deepening tensions between Riyadh and Tehran, long-time rivals for regional hegemony.

It has unfolded amid Arab unease over the US's push for a nuclear deal with the Islamic republic. Gulf leaders are set to travel to Washington for talks on the matter on May 14 with President Barack Obama. They are expected to call for a US pledge to help contain Iranian interference in the Arab world in crises such as Yemen, Syria and Iraq.

Despite the recent halt to major air operations, the coalition continues to strike Houthi forces and their allies "whenever they move", said Brig Gen Asiri.

He said Houthi forces continued to operate in the southern city of Aden, the region of Marib to the east of Sana'a, as well as in the city of Ta'iz, south of the capital.

Fighting raged around Aden airport on Sunday, where anti-Houthi forces are said to be gaining ground.

Reports emerged earlier on Sunday that Arab special forces had entered the fight against the Houthis in the port city.

Analysts say a ground offensive could prove to be the only way for the coalition to achieve its broader objectives of restoring Mr Hadi to power, given the deadlock in starting talks with the Houthis.

While Brig Gen Asiri said the coalition had not deployed ground forces, they remain a future option for the coalition.

Riyadh has been considering such a move, despite the apparent risks of getting dragged deeper into a confrontation with experienced Houthi fighters.

"I am not aware of Arab troops in Yemen, but the regular Yemeni army is still in the fight," said Brig Gen Asiri.

Saudi Arabia is also reportedly training tribes as a proxy force against the Houthi militias.

Asked about this, Brig Gen Asiri replied: "We continue to support the proper army loyal to the government by all means that we judge important."

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