The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General narrowly escaped a deadly Israeli air strike at an airport in Yemen, recounting his experiences during a recent interview. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described feeling “completely exposed” as the assault unfolded, which resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals.
Dr. Tedros and his team were leaving Sanaa after efforts to facilitate the release of UN detainees and assess the humanitarian conditions in Yemen when the airport was struck. The Israeli military claimed the attack targeted military sites linked to Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Describing the chaos, Dr. Tedros stated, “People were in disarray and running everywhere.” He emphasized the danger they faced, highlighting, “There was no shelter, so we were completely exposed. It’s a matter of luck; a slight deviation could have been catastrophic for us.” He noted that despite his presence being publicly known, the attack remained unjustifiable, asserting that all civilian lives hold equal value.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified the air strike by alleging that the airport was exploited by Houthi rebels for military purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons. In response, the Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that three individuals were killed at the airport, with up to 30 others injured, with additional strikes affecting power stations and a port in the region.
The Houthi group condemned the strikes as “barbaric” and pledged to continue their assaults against Israel until the Gaza Strip conflict concludes. Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have frequently targeted Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes.
Recent developments saw the Houthis claiming responsibility for a missile strike on Nevatim airbase in central Israel, although the IDF reported successful interception by their air force. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have maintained control over significant areas of western Yemen, including the capital, since 2015.
