Yemen condemns Houthi attack on Aden airport as threat to regional, international aviation

Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has strongly condemned the attack carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militants on Aden International Airport at dawn today, involving two ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones. The assault coincided with the approach of a civilian flight, with aircraft, passengers, and airport staff present, putting their lives in immediate danger.

In an official statement, the ministry held the Houthi militia fully responsible for the attack and its consequences, stressing that targeting this civilian facility—which serves Yemenis from across the country—constitutes a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and civil aviation protection rules, with no justification.

The ministry emphasized that the attack reflects a continued pattern of terrorism, referencing the shelling of Aden airport during the government’s arrival in December 2020, previous attacks on Saudi airports, the suspension of flights through Sanaa airport, and the seizure of four Yemenia Airways planes.

It added that such actions use the intimidation and suffering of civilians as a means of extortion and to disrupt state institutions, exposing the false claims of the militia regarding the interests of Yemenis. The ministry praised the measures taken by the relevant authorities to secure the airport and protect passengers and aviation crews, stressing that attacks on civilian institutions will not deter the state from safeguarding its citizens, facilities, and ensuring the safety of air navigation and the right to safe travel.

The ministry warned that the attack poses a threat to regional and international civil aviation safety, calling on the UN Security Council and the international community to condemn the incident, take practical steps to prevent its recurrence, and hold accountable all those who planned, ordered, or participated in its execution in accordance with international law, ensuring there is no impunity. It also urged the International Civil Aviation Organization and relevant bodies to condemn the attack and strengthen airport and civil aviation protection measures.

The ministry reiterated that ending the coup, restoring state institutions, and disarming militias are prerequisites for protecting civilians and safeguarding the security of Yemen and its neighbors. It called on the international community to support the Republic of Yemen in asserting sovereignty over its entire territory and upholding its exclusive right to arms within legitimate institutions, thereby preserving Yemen’s unity, security, and stability, and enhancing the safety of regional and international air navigation.

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