Yemen: At least 22 dead in attack at Aden airport after new government arrives

Yemen: At least 22 dead in attack at Aden airport after new government arrives

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Rajeh Badi, the spokesman for the new government, told CNN. According to Yemeni Minister Maeen Abdulmalek, all cabinet members are safe.

It is unclear whether the explosions were caused by missiles fired at the airport. Badi told CNN that the investigation has not yet been completed.

Information Minister Muammar Al Eryani accuses Iran-backed Houthi rebels of being behind the blast – but the group has not claimed responsibility.

Before the attack, hundreds of people gathered at the airport for the arrival of the government, which was sworn in in Saudi Arabia last week.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said one of its staff was killed, three were injured and two others were not taken into account in the blasts.

“Our staff marched through the airport with other citizens. This is a tragic day for us and the people of Yemen,” the ICRC in Yemen said on Twitter. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and hope for a speedy recovery for the injured.”

Footage from the Al Arabiya Canal in Saudi Arabia showed the moment of the attack: a loud surge was followed by gunshots. Smoke was seen bubbling out of the terminal building.

Dozens were injured in the blasts.

According to footage from Saudi state broadcaster Al-Ekhbraiya, the attack caused a large hole in the ground and caused serious damage to an airport hall.

“The cowardly terrorist action directed at Aden Airport is part of the war being waged against the Yemeni state and our great people, and it will only increase our insistence on carrying out our duties until the coup is over. , the state is recovering and stability is, “the Yemeni prime minister said.

United Nations envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths has condemned the attack on Twitter. “I wish the Cabinet strength to tackle the difficult tasks ahead. This unacceptable act of violence is a tragic reminder of the importance of urgently bringing Yemen back on the path to peace,” he added.

A U.S. State Department official said they were “aware of reports of attacks in Aden and are saddened by reports of casualties and injuries.”

“The United States supports the Yemeni government and stands with the Yemeni people,” the official said.

Last week, Yemen’s separatist Southern Transitional Council and the existing Saudi-backed government announced a new cabinet to end a power struggle between them.
Both groups are part of a coalition backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which was embroiled in a years-long civil war with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The conflict cost thousands of lives and plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis.

CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.

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