At least 13 killed in Aden airport attack after new Yemeni government lands

A large blast and gunfire was heard at Aden airport shortly after a plane carrying Yemen’s newly-formed government landed on Wednesday, an Al Arabiya correspondent reported.

At least thirteen people were killed and dozens more were wounded in the attack on Aden airport, two local security sources told Reuters. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

We assure our ppl that all cabinet members r safe, &cowardly terrorist attack by Iran-backed Houthi militia on Aden airport will not deter us fm our duty & our life isn’t more valuable than other Yemenis.
May Allah have mercy on souls of martyrs, &wish fast recovery 4injured

— معمر الإرياني (@ERYANIM) December 30, 2020

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An Al Arabiya reporter said that initial reports indicate that Yemeni government ministers have not been harmed in the attack.

Watch: An explosion rocks #Aden Airport in #Yemen followed by gunfire, killing at least five people and leaving dozens more wounded, according to a local security source.https://t.co/rP1vDSnylo pic.twitter.com/1d0mIWUkL0

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) December 30, 2020

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.

“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.”

A local security source said three mortar shells had landed on the airport's hall.

1/2 Griffiths: I strongly condemn the attack at #Aden airport upon the Cabinet's arrival & the killing and injury of many innocent civilians. My sincere condolences and solidarity to all who lost loved ones.

— @OSE_Yemen (@OSE_Yemen) December 30, 2020

Martin Griffiths, the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, condemned the airport attack, calling it an unacceptable act of violence.

“I strongly condemn the attack at Aden airport upon the Cabinet’s arrival and the killing and injury of many innocent civilians. My sincere condolences and solidarity to all who lost loved ones,” he said via Twitter.

“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,” he added.

- With Agencies

Read more: Yemen announces new government formation: State TV