Israel Air Force Bombs Yemen Infrastructure, Narrowly Misses WHO Director-General
The Israel Air Force carried out airstrikes across Yemen on Thursday, targeting numerous infrastructure sites, including the Sanaa International Airport. The attack narrowly missed a plane carrying World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, injuring one of the crew members.
Ghebreyesus was at the airport preparing to depart when the airstrikes hit. He described the scene in a statement, saying the air traffic control tower, departure lounge, and runway were all damaged. The WHO director-general and his delegation were stranded at the airport, awaiting repairs before they could leave.
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were in retaliation for missiles fired into Israel from Yemen in the past week. One of those missiles struck a playground in Tel Aviv last Saturday. The airstrikes were approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
The targets included the Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib ports on the western coast of Yemen, oil facilities, and the Hezyaz, Hodeidah, and Ras Kanatib power stations. The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes targeted military infrastructure used by the Houthi rebels, whom they consider a terrorist group.
The United Nations Secretary-General condemned the escalation between Yemen and Israel, expressing particular concern over the airstrikes on the Sanaa International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations. The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of respecting international law, including humanitarian law, and called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. He also warned that the airstrikes pose a grave risk to humanitarian operations in Yemen, where millions of people are in need of life-saving assistance.
The Houthi rebels, who control much of northern Yemen, have been engaged in a conflict with the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition since 2014. The conflict has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions of people facing hunger, disease, and displacement. The recent escalation in violence threatens to further worsen the already dire situation.
5 Comments
Rolihlahla
The Houthi’s attacks need to be met with a firm response. Israel is doing what needs to be done to protect its people.
G P Floyd Jr
Attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure will only lead to more violence and instability. When will this end?
Martin L King
Striking civilian infrastructure in Yemen is a crime against humanity! When will the world take a stand?
G P Floyd Jr
Countries have the right to defend themselves, and the actions taken by Israel seem justified given recent attacks.
Matzomaster
The world is always so quick to condemn Israel without understanding the context of its military actions.