Yemen urges global action to prevent repeat of Aden airport attack

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

The ministry, in a statement, 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 the rules protecting civil aviation, with no justification.

The ministry emphasized that the attack reflects the ongoing terrorist approach seen in the December 2020 bombing of Aden airport during the government’s arrival, previous assaults on Saudi airports, the suspension of flights through Sanaa airport, and the seizure of four Yemenia Airways planes.

It stated 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 efforts of the relevant authorities to secure the airport and protect travelers and air crews, noting that targeting civilian institutions will not deter the state from safeguarding its citizens, facilities, and ensuring the safety of air navigation and the right to safe movement.

The ministry warned that the attack threatens the safety of regional and international civil aviation, calling on the UN Security Council and the international community to condemn the incident, take practical measures to prevent its recurrence, and hold accountable all those who planned, ordered, or participated in the attack 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 reaffirmed that ending the coup, restoring state institutions, and disarming the militias are essential to protecting civilians and securing 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, in order to preserve Yemen’s unity, security, and stability, and to enhance the safety of regional and international air navigation.