Germany’s Constitutional Court Dismisses Allegations of Complicity in 2012 US Strike on Yemen

The German Constitutional Court has ruled that Berlin is not in breach of international law over US drone attacks guided from Germany. The case was brought by two Yemenis whose relatives were killed in a 2012 US drone mission.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that Germany’s involvement in hosting US military operations, including drone surveillance and targeting, constituted a breach of international law. However, the court emphasized that the United States’ sovereign immunity protects it from legal action in German courts, limiting Germany’s ability to pursue accountability for the attack.

The ruling reflects the complex legal landscape surrounding US drone strikes and their legal implications for host countries. Critics argue that such immunity allows the US to operate with impunity, while supporters contend it is necessary for maintaining diplomatic and military relationships.

Lawyers for the Yemeni families expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, stating that the ruling fails to address the international community’s responsibility to hold states accountable for civilian casualties in targeted strikes. They called for further legal action or international tribunal proceedings to seek justice for the victims.