VIDEO: 26 die in attack at Yemen airport moments after new cabinet lands
- Last updated: December 30, 2020 | 18:24
Gulf Today Report
At least 26 people were killed and dozens more were wounded in an attack on Aden airport, shortly after a plane carrying Yemen's newly-formed cabinet members arrived from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Loud blasts and gunfire were heard at the airport shortly after the plane arrived from Riyadh, witnesses said. Two security sources gave the toll of casualties. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
The cabinet members including Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik, as well as Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Said Al Jaber, were transferred safely to the city's presidential palace, the witnesses and Saudi media said.
Witnesses and media reported that the government officials, including Maeen, were safely transported to the city’s presidential palace. A local security source confirmed that there have been multiple injuries due to the explosions.
The new Yemeni government had arrived to the interim capital Aden, two days after their swearing-in ceremony before President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
The government spokesman had confirmed that the taken step came within the framework of Riyadh agreement, stressing on the need to focus all efforts on the economic and military aspect in order to confront Houthi militia.
"We and the members of the government are in the temporary capital of Aden and everyone is fine," Maeen tweeted from Maasheq palace. "The cowardly terrorist act that targeted Aden airport is part of the war that is being waged against the Yemeni state and its great people."
Jaber tweeted: "Peace, security and stability will prevail thanks to Yemenis' strong will and their brave government."
A local security source said three mortar shells had landed on the airport's hall.
Live TV footage from Saudi-owned Al Arabiya channel showed dozens of people leaving the airplane when a first blast hit the airport's hall. Heavy gunfire from armoured vehicles followed with plumes of white and black smoke rising from the scene. Other video showed damage to the terminal's concrete walls and smashed glass.
UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths condemned the attack in a statement: "I wish the cabinet strength in facing the difficult tasks ahead. This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic reminder of the importance of bringing Yemen urgently back on the path towards peace.