Date: May 28, 2025
Sanaa, Yemen – Tensions in the Middle East escalated further today as another civilian aircraft was destroyed at Sanaa International Airport following Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in Yemen. The aircraft, a passenger jet belonging to Yemeni Airways, was completely destroyed on the tarmac, marking the second confirmed incident of its kind amid the recent surge in hostilities.
According to Yemeni media outlets and airport authorities, the strike occurred early Tuesday morning, when a series of explosions rocked the vicinity of the airport. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick plumes of black smoke rising from the airport grounds as emergency services rushed to contain the fire and assess damage.
Civil Aviation Targeted
Yemeni Airways, the country’s national carrier, has suffered severe operational disruptions due to the ongoing conflict. The destroyed aircraft was reportedly grounded and undergoing maintenance at the time of the attack. No passengers or crew were onboard during the strike, but airport workers were evacuated from the premises as a precaution.
This latest incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of Yemen’s already fragile civil infrastructure, particularly its aviation sector. With multiple airstrikes recorded in the region over the past month, Sanaa Airport has become a flashpoint in the broader regional conflict.
Context of the Strikes
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially commented on the specific targeting of Sanaa Airport, but sources suggest that the airstrikes were part of a broader campaign aimed at curbing what Israel claims are threats from Houthi-aligned forces in Yemen. Tel Aviv has accused the Houthis of supporting cross-border attacks against Israeli interests in the Red Sea and beyond.
The escalation comes amid increased regional instability, with Yemen playing a growing role in the geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and their respective allies. Recent drone and missile attacks attributed to Houthi forces have drawn sharp responses from both Israeli and U.S. military operations in the region.
International Condemnation
Human rights organizations and aviation safety groups have condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a statement expressing concern over the safety of air travel in conflict zones and called for immediate measures to protect civilian airports from military engagement.
Meanwhile, Yemeni officials have denounced the airstrikes as a violation of international law and sovereignty, urging the United Nations to intervene and safeguard the country’s aviation assets.
Implications for Yemen’s Aviation Sector
The destruction of another Yemeni Airways aircraft deepens the crisis for Yemen’s national airline, which has struggled to maintain operations amid war, airspace closures, and a devastated economy. Industry analysts warn that continued targeting of airport facilities and aircraft could lead to the total collapse of Yemen’s commercial aviation sector.
As violence continues to escalate in Yemen and across the region, the destruction of civilian aircraft at Sanaa International Airport stands as a stark reminder of the growing toll on non-military infrastructure and the humanitarian consequences of protracted conflict. The international community faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and prevent further deterioration of Yemen’s critical services and infrastructure.
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