In brief
In a shocking incident, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), found himself at Yemen's Sanaa airport amidst Israeli airstrikes that led to multiple casualties.
On Thursday, chaos erupted at Sanaa International Airport when Israeli airstrikes struck the terminal just as Dr. Tedros and other UN personnel were preparing to board a plane. Reports indicate at least six fatalities and numerous injuries, with the Houthi-run Saba news agency confirming that three individuals died at the airport and 30 were hurt. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels condemned the assaults, labeling them “barbaric,” while the Israeli military stated the airstrikes were aimed at "intelligence-based military targets."Dr. Tedros confirmed his safety but noted that the airport's key facilities—such as the air traffic control tower and departure lounge—were damaged, halting his departure. He was in Yemen to negotiate the release of detained UN employees and assess the deteriorating health and humanitarian conditions in the country. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed alarm over the violent escalation, reaffirming his concern for both Yemen and the wider region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that the strikes targeted military infrastructure at the airport as well as in nearby power and port facilities, stating it would continue its campaign against Houthi forces. In the aftermath, Houthi leaders condemned the Israeli actions, promising to retaliate against what they perceived as aggression fueled by American and Israeli arrogance. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes at the airport, recounting how the runway was struck multiple times before the control tower suffered damage. Medical facilities on the ground reported treating several casualties, underscoring the human impact of the strikes.Meanwhile, tensions continue to unravel in the region, notably exacerbated by the ongoing Gaza conflict that began earlier this month. The hostilities have seen the Houthis engage in missile attacks against Israel, further escalating a precarious situation as Israel readies itself to launch a broader offensive against the Houthi leadership.
