Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday, including Sanaa International Airport, resulting in at least six deaths, according to Houthi media.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at the airport preparing to depart when the attack occurred. “As we were about to board our flight from Sanaa, the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our plane’s crew members was injured,” Tedros said in a statement. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge—just a few meters from where we were—and the runway were damaged.”
The Israeli military confirmed strikes on the airport as well as military infrastructure at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on Yemen’s west coast. They also targeted the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations.
Yemen’s Saba news agency reported that three people were killed at the airport and three in Hodeidah, with 40 others wounded in the attacks. Despite the damage, the Houthi transport minister told Saba that both the airport and Hodeidah port would resume normal operations from Friday.
Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the Houthis are ready to “respond quickly” and meet “escalation with escalation.” The Houthis have previously fired drones and missiles towards Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
In a joint video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to eliminate Houthi leadership and dismantle their military capabilities. “No one will escape Israel’s long arm. We will strike them to eliminate threats against Israel,” Katz declared.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the strikes. “Airstrikes on Red Sea ports and Sanaa airport pose grave risks to humanitarian operations at a time when millions of people are in need of life-saving assistance,” his spokesperson said. Guterres called for all parties to cease military actions and exercise utmost restraint.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
