Home World Middle east WHO Chief at Yemen Airport Amid Israeli Air Strikes: What Happened?

WHO Chief at Yemen Airport Amid Israeli Air Strikes: What Happened?

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Sanaa: In a dramatic turn of events, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and several UN staff members were caught in an Israeli airstrike at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on Thursday. The attack resulted in casualties, injuries, and widespread damage, drawing global attention.

What Happened at Sanaa Airport?

Dr. Tedros and his team were preparing to board a plane when the airstrike hit. According to the WHO chief’s social media post, a member of the plane’s crew sustained injuries during the attack. Sadly, two persons at the airport lost their lives. Local reports from Houthi-run media claimed that the airstrike, which also targeted power stations and ports, killed at least three people and injured more than a dozen.

The situation at the airport was dire, with eyewitnesses recounting multiple strikes on the runway and control tower. Dr. Abbas Rajeh, a doctor at a local hospital, reported treating 10 patients, including one who succumbed to injuries and another in critical condition. Many suffered from broken bones and minor injuries.

Israel’s Stance and Objectives

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming the strikes, describing them as “intelligence-based” operations targeting “military infrastructure” linked to the Houthi group. The IDF identified Sanaa International Airport, Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, and several ports on Yemen’s western coast as key targets.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the actions, stating, “We are only just starting with [the Houthis]. We will continue to cut off the terror arm of the Iranian axis of evil until we complete the job.”

Houthi Reaction and Iran’s Response

The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group controlling significant parts of western Yemen, condemned the strikes as “barbaric” and “aggressive.” Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a senior Houthi official, vowed to continue “confrontations with American and Israeli arrogance” until the ongoing Gaza conflict ends.

Iran, a key ally of the Houthis, called the strikes a “clear violation of international peace and security.”

The Larger Context: Yemen and the Gaza War

The Houthis have been actively involved in the regional conflict, launching attacks on Israel since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023. A Houthi missile attack last week left over a dozen people injured in Israel. Israel’s Defense Minister recently declared that the country was preparing to “strike hard” at the Houthis, aiming to dismantle their leadership.

The group has ruled large parts of Yemen, including its capital, Sanaa, since ousting the internationally recognized government in 2015. Their actions are often viewed as part of a broader proxy conflict between Iran and Israel.

Global Reactions and Implications

The incident at Sanaa Airport underscores the escalating tension in the Middle East and the growing risk to civilians and international organizations operating in conflict zones. The attack’s impact on humanitarian efforts in Yemen remains a critical concern, with the WHO and other agencies emphasizing the need for safety and stability in the region.

As the conflict intensifies, the international community continues to grapple with its implications, calling for restraint and renewed efforts toward peace in the region.

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