Airstrikes at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen occurred while World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was present at the facility. The incident, which took place amidst escalating regional tensions, highlights the volatile security situation in Yemen.
The airstrikes, conducted by Israeli forces on Thursday, caused damage to the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway, according to Ghebreyesus. He and his WHO team were preparing to board a flight when the attack occurred, positioning them just “meters” from the strike zone. Fortunately, he confirmed that all UN and WHO personnel are safe.
This attack followed an increase in Houthi missile launches toward Israel, with one interception reported earlier that injured several individuals. Additionally, the Houthis claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, though Israeli authorities denied this incident. The IDF has indicated it will strike any perceived threat regardless of location, which was echoed by IDF's chief of the general staff, Herzi Halevi.
Following the strike, at least three fatalities were reported in Sanaa by Dr. Anees Alasbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthis' Health Ministry, with additional reports of more deaths in a subsequent attack. A WFP-contracted air crew member sustained injuries during the initial incident, leading to a statement by the World Food Programme stressing that "humanitarians are #NotATarget.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deep concerns about the escalating conflict and called for all involved parties to exercise restraint. He emphasized the imperative to protect civilians and respect international law, underscoring the presence of a UN delegation at the airport during the strike. The airport has been temporarily disabled due to damage sustained, with Ghebreyesus and his team unable to leave as of early Friday. The IDF has yet to comment on the strike or the presence of the WHO delegation.
