Saudi Arabia Tries to Ease Concerns Over Civilian Deaths in Yemen
Royal Saudi Air Force said that I share these concerns and believe
that the Saudis have a responsibility to conduct their operations carefully — including engaging with the U.S. on increased training.
But senior American officials who have worked closely with the Saudis in recent years to help them improve targeting procedures said
that while the additional training was important, it would be effective only if Defense and State Department officials monitor the program closely.
Larry said that This training package sets an important precedent to focus on preventing civilian casualties,
The Saudis also agreed to observe stricter rules of engagement
and consider in their targeting procedures specific estimates about potential harm to civilians and civilian buildings — a practice not fully integrated in the Saudi-led air campaign, American officials said.
The kingdom has also promised to take steps to ease American concerns about an air campaign
that has killed more than 9,000 civilians in more than two years of conflict, according to a private letter that Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir wrote to Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson before President Trump’s visit to the kingdom last month, another tacit acknowledgment of the weaknesses of the Saudi armed forces.
By ERIC SCHMITTJUNE 14, 2017
WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia is engaging in a $750 million, multiyear training program through the American military
to help prevent the accidental killing of civilians in the Saudi-led air campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen.