Iran Red Crescent calls for ICC investigation of US strike on wedding party

Outrage has intensified in Yemen after a U.S. airstrike hit a wedding celebration in the coastal town of Kuhestak, killing four civilians and wounding 67 others. The strike, carried out on Thursday by a drone operating out of the U.S. Central Command, was reportedly aimed at a suspected al‑Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) compound that intelligence officials said was located near the gathering. Local authorities confirmed the casualties and said the blast struck the venue during the evening festivities, causing extensive damage to the banquet hall and surrounding homes.

The incident has prompted condemnation from regional leaders and humanitarian groups, who have called for an immediate investigation and greater transparency regarding U.S. counter‑terrorism operations in the country. Yemeni officials have demanded answers from Washington, emphasizing that the target was a civilian event and not a legitimate military objective. The United States has not yet released a statement, but standard protocol indicates that an internal review will be conducted to assess compliance with the rules of engagement. The episode adds to growing scrutiny of foreign airstrikes in Yemen’s conflict zones and raises questions about the protection of non‑combatants in ongoing anti‑terrorism campaigns.