Yemen's prime minister on Saturday said that a missile attack on the airport in Aden targetted " elimination" the country's new governmen; as it arrived in the key southern city — a daring assault which he blamed on Iran-backed Houthis.
Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed spoke to The Associated Press in an interview conducted at his office in the Mashiq Palace in Aden.
It was the leader's first interview with international media after he survived Wednesday's attack that killed; at least 25 people and wounded 110 others.
"It's a major terrorist attack that aimed to eliminate the government," the premier said. "It was a message against peace and stability in Yemen."
Saeed repeated his government's accusations that Yemen's Houthi militia were responsible for the missile attack on the airport and a drone assault on the palace; shortly after the premier and his Cabinet move to there.
He also said that the "techniques" used in the airport missile attack were hallmarks of the Houthis' strategy.
The attack took place moments after a plane carrying Saeed and his Cabinet members landed at the airport.
AP footage from the scene at Aden's airport showed members of the government delegation disembarking; as the blast shook the tarmac, with many ministers rushing back inside the plane or running down the stairs, seeking shelter.
Saeed additionally said three precision-guided missiles had struck the facility; targeting his plane, the arrival hall and the VIP lounge of the airport.
"The guidance accuracy was great. The operation was huge," he said.
The prime minister said Yemeni investigators have collected the remains of the missiles and that experts; from the Arab Coalition and the US would help determine the type and origins of the missiles.
