In Yemen, we comfort ourselves, thinking: It is not as bad as Gaza

Al Jazeera - Apr 27th, 2025

In early April, US airstrikes on Yemen caused significant devastation, particularly in the port city of Hodeidah. A Yemeni journalist, Manal Qaed Alwesabi, recounts the terrifying experience of a strike near her family home. Her six-year-old son, Tamim, was left frightened, and she struggled to explain the harsh reality of war to him. The attack killed several civilians, including an 18-year-old named Mohamed, who had dreams of studying abroad. The strikes, intended to target the supply chain of the group Ansar Allah, resulted in civilian casualties, raising questions about the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by foreign military interventions, has left the country in a state of despair. Despite the global community's focus on other conflicts, Yemenis continue to endure relentless airstrikes, leading to immense loss and suffering. The story highlights the resilience of the Yemeni people, who, in the face of unimaginable adversity, still find ways to display kindness and strength. The narrative also underscores the sense of abandonment felt by Yemenis, as their plight is often reduced to mere statistics in international reports. Through writing, the author hopes to preserve the memory of victims like Mohamed and Abdel Fattah and to one day end the cycle of violence.

Yemen Hodeidah Civilian Casualties Us Airstrikes Manal Qaed Alwesabi Ansar Allah War And Conflict

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a poignant and personal account of the impact of US airstrikes on civilians in Yemen, effectively highlighting the human cost of the conflict. Its strengths lie in its vivid storytelling and emotional resonance, which engage readers and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis. However, the article's reliance on a single perspective and lack of corroborating sources limit its balance and accuracy. While it offers valuable insights into the civilian experience, the absence of broader context and multiple viewpoints reduces its comprehensiveness. Overall, the article succeeds in drawing attention to the plight of Yemenis but would benefit from additional sources and perspectives to enhance its credibility and depth.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims about US airstrikes in Yemen, including specific incidents and casualties. The claim that US air raids occurred in early April and targeted areas such as Hodeidah aligns with reports of ongoing military operations in Yemen. However, specific casualty figures, such as the 80 people killed at Ras Isa port, require verification against official reports or corroborating sources. The emotional accounts of civilian impact, while compelling, are subjective and harder to verify independently. The article's overall accuracy is moderate, with some claims needing further substantiation.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of a Yemeni journalist experiencing the conflict firsthand. It provides a deeply personal narrative that highlights the suffering of Yemeni civilians. However, it lacks a balanced representation of other viewpoints, such as the perspectives of the US military or international bodies regarding the strikes. The absence of these perspectives creates an imbalance, focusing solely on the victim's narrative without exploring the broader geopolitical context or potential justifications for the strikes.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative structure that effectively conveys the emotional impact of the conflict on civilians. The language is vivid and accessible, making the complex and distressing subject matter more relatable to readers. The logical flow of the story, from personal experience to broader reflections on the conflict, aids comprehension. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between personal anecdotes and broader factual claims to enhance clarity further.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on the firsthand account of the author, a Yemeni journalist, as its main source. While personal narratives can be powerful, they often lack the corroborative support of multiple sources. The absence of additional sources, such as official statements, independent reports, or expert analyses, reduces the overall reliability and depth of the reporting. The article would benefit from a wider variety of sources to enhance its credibility and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its subjective nature, as it clearly states that the views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Al Jazeera. This disclosure helps readers understand the personal perspective and potential biases involved. However, the article could improve transparency by providing more context about the broader conflict in Yemen, including historical background and the role of various international actors, to help readers better understand the basis of the claims made.