Yemen’s Sanaa Airport Reportedly Targeted in Strikes Following Israeli Military Advisory
Sanaa, Yemen – Houthi rebel media outlets in Yemen reported on Tuesday that strikes had targeted Sanaa International Airport, following an earlier advisory from the Israeli military urging people to evacuate the area surrounding the airport in the Yemeni capital. The reports, disseminated through the rebel-affiliated Al-Massirah television network, attributed the attacks to a joint "American-Israeli aggression."
According to Al-Massirah’s initial broadcast, "the American-Israeli aggression has targeted Sanaa International Airport with a series of strikes." The network provided minimal details regarding the precise locations targeted within the airport complex or the extent of the damage caused.
Two Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondents stationed in Sanaa independently confirmed hearing multiple strikes and observing plumes of smoke emanating from various locations within the city. The correspondents’ accounts corroborated the Houthi media reports of an ongoing situation at the airport and its surrounding area. The correspondents also conveyed a sense of alarm among residents near the airport.
The circumstances surrounding the strikes remain shrouded in uncertainty. The Israeli military advisory preceding the attacks raises significant questions about Israel’s potential involvement. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the Israeli or United States governments regarding their roles in the incident. The United States military has historically provided logistical and intelligence support to Saudi-led coalition operations in Yemen, and this information could be what the Houthis are referencing.
The accusations levied by Houthi media outlets against the United States and Israel are not new. The Houthis, who have been engaged in a protracted civil war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government since 2014, have frequently portrayed their adversaries as proxies of these two nations.
It is essential to consider the context of the ongoing conflict in Yemen when evaluating the veracity and potential motivations behind these reports. The country has been gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with millions facing starvation and displacement due to the war. The conflict has involved numerous external actors, including Saudi Arabia and its allies, who have been conducting air operations against Houthi targets since 2015.
The targeting of Sanaa International Airport would represent a significant escalation of the conflict, particularly if the strikes were indeed carried out by external forces. The airport, although operating at a limited capacity due to the ongoing blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition, serves as a crucial lifeline for humanitarian aid and civilian travel. Damage to the airport would further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen and further isolate the country from the outside world.
Prior to the reported strikes, Sanaa International Airport was primarily used for humanitarian flights and limited commercial services. The Saudi-led coalition imposed restrictions on the airport’s operations early in the conflict, citing concerns about the Houthis using the facility to import weapons. The blockade has been a source of contention, with international organizations and human rights groups calling for its lifting to facilitate the delivery of aid and the movement of civilians.
The claims of "American-Israeli aggression" targeting the airport are consistent with the Houthis’ broader narrative, framing the conflict as a struggle against foreign intervention. This narrative helps to galvanize support among their followers and portray themselves as defenders of Yemeni sovereignty.
The strikes on Sanaa International Airport highlight the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in Yemen. The involvement of multiple actors, the proliferation of misinformation, and the dire humanitarian situation all contribute to the challenges of accurately assessing the situation on the ground. A thorough and independent investigation into the strikes is necessary to determine the responsible parties and to ensure accountability for any violations of international law.
The potential ramifications of the strikes are far-reaching, with implications for the already fragile peace efforts in Yemen. Any escalation of the conflict could further destabilize the region and undermine efforts to find a political solution to the crisis. It is imperative that all parties involved exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilians.
The Houthi allegations of "American-Israeli aggression" should also be viewed within the context of broader regional tensions. Relations between Israel and Iran, a key ally of the Houthis, have been strained in recent years, with both countries engaging in a shadow war across the Middle East. The Houthis’ rhetoric serves to further inflame these tensions and to solidify their alignment with Iran.
While the details surrounding the Sanaa airport strikes remain unclear, the incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement in Yemen. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the country and its people, and a political solution is the only way to prevent further suffering.
The reports out of Yemen call for careful monitoring and independent verification. While the source originates from Houthi-affiliated media, corroborating accounts from AFP correspondents suggest an event of significance has occurred at or near Sanaa International Airport. The international community must urgently seek to de-escalate the situation and ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure.
