In brief
Chaos erupted at Yemen's Sanaa international airport on Thursday as Israeli airstrikes targeted the location, reportedly resulting in at least six fatalities. The airstrikes coincided with the presence of WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other UN officials, who were preparing to board a flight when the attacks occurred. According to the Houthi-run Saba news agency, the strikes killed three individuals at the airport and injured around 30, while additional casualties were reported in Hodeidah province.
Dr. Tedros, unharmed by the bombardment, stated on social media that his visit to Yemen aimed to negotiate the release of detained UN staff and to assess the health situation. He highlighted that damage was inflicted on critical airport facilities, which would delay their departure until repairs were made. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concerns over the escalation of conflict between Yemen and Israel, labeling the strikes "especially alarming." The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that they targeted "military infrastructure" in Sanaa, saying it aimed to strike at Houthi capabilities amid ongoing tensions.As the situation escalated, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify military efforts against the Houthis, declaring the group a significant threat linked to Iran. In response to the airstrikes, Houthi officials condemned the actions as "barbaric," vowing to continue resistance until the Gaza conflict is resolved. The ongoing confrontations signal an increase in hostility in an already fragile region, with concerns growing over the potential for further escalation between various factions involved.
