The National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations met with Yemeni Defense Minister Mohsen al-Da'ari on Monday, July 1, 2024, to discuss guarantees for civilian protection and safety, as well as freedom of movement, particularly in light of the partial reopening of several roads.

According to the official Yemen News Agency (Saba), the commission, during its meeting with al-Da'ari in Aden, the temporary capital of the internationally recognized government, discussed several issues related to human rights conditions and the role of the military in protecting them.

The commission called for "the activation of internal accountability by the Ministry of Defense, in addition to responding to inquiries and questions directed by the commission to the military authorities in Marib, Aden, Lahj, Taiz, and Hodeidah."

The commission's chairman, Judge Ahmed al-Muflahi, highlighted the results of the commission's visits to several governorates, the role of the army and the military sector in protecting human rights, the humanitarian situation of residents in areas of contact near military operations, and guarantees for the delivery of aid and the protection of civilians.

According to the agency, Defense Minister al-Da'ari, in turn, affirmed the Yemeni army's commitment in all areas to the principles of international humanitarian law and achieving a balance between security necessities and international human rights standards.

He also emphasized the Ministry of Defense's and its affiliated military institutions' interest in cooperating with the commission's members and field teams, facilitating their access to all areas, and visiting various detention centers to ensure human rights guarantees and correct any errors that may exist.

On June 13, the "Camp-Palace Roundabout" road east of Taiz city was reopened after nine years of closure by the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the international community. This marked the first breach of the siege on the city.

The Houthi group announced on June 7 the opening of the "Palace Roundabout" road for the first time since they closed all access roads to Taiz in 2015.

Security and military authorities in Taiz accuse the Houthis of exploiting the road and the passage of more than 1,500 vehicles per day to the city to infiltrate their elements, aiming to create chaos and destabilize the internal front in the governorate.

According to local sources, security and military forces have apprehended a large number of Houthis who infiltrated the city through the eastern access point.