Saudi-led coalition to examine abuse charges

The Saudi-led Arab coalition battling Houthi rebels in Yemen announced Sunday the creation of an independent commission of inquiry to examine charges of possible abuses against civilians in the conflict.

The coalition command, in a brief statement published by the official Saudi SPA news agency, said it had formed "an independent team of experts in international humanitarian law and weapons to assess the incidents and investigate the rules of engagement".

The coalition said the objective was to "develop a clear and comprehensive report on each incident with the conclusions, lessons learned, recommendations and measures that should be taken" to spare civilians.

The coalition began air strikes last March to support the government and push back Iran-backed Houthi rebels who had taken over the capital Sanaa.

More than 5,800 people have since been killed and 27,000 wounded, according to UN figures.

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