Yemen: Two missiles fired by Houthi militia land at Aden International Airport

Aden, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- The Yemeni state news agency reported on Friday that two ballistic missiles fired by the (Houthi) militia landed at Aden International Airport, marking the second such incident within a week. The agency quoted the security administration of the temporary capital, Aden, in a statement saying that “initial information indicates no casualties, while relevant authorities are completing the necessary procedures.” The statement emphasized that “the recurrence of such incidents inside the airport constitutes a serious threat to the safety of civilian property and air traffic, especially given the presence of flights to and from several countries and the presence of travelers in departure and arrival halls, particularly since Aden International Airport serves as a vital air gateway for Yemenis, including patients and humanitarian cases who rely on it for travel and to receive medical treatment abroad.”

For its part, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport condemned the Houthi militia’s targeting of Aden International Airport with two ballistic missiles for the second time in a week, affirming that the attack threatens the safety of air navigation, passengers, and airport staff. The ministry stated in a press release that the two missiles landed in the vicinity of the airport, with the first striking near the western gate toward the runway and the second landing northwest of the airport. It added that the attack coincided with the presence of a Yemenia Airways aircraft on the runway, preparing for departure on a flight to Cairo, which was immediately evacuated, along with a Fly Aden aircraft.

The ministry considered the repeated targeting of the airport a serious escalation and a violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee the protection of airports, civilian facilities, and commercial aviation from hostile acts. It stressed that targeting civilian airports threatens the safety of flights and passengers, disrupts air transport, inflicts damage on the national economy, and exacerbates the suffering of Yemenis who rely on airports for their travel, including humanitarian and medical cases.

It called on the international community, the United Nations, and relevant organizations and bodies concerned with civil aviation, foremost among them the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to condemn these attacks and work to protect airports and civilian facilities, as well as to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international laws and conventions. (End) S.N.S. / M.A.H.A.