Yemen: Powerful blasts, Gunfire Heard At Aden’s Airport

Powerful blasts and gunfire were reported at Aden’s airport of Yemen shortly after a newly formed Yemeni government’s plane arrived from Saudi Arabia.

According to the Saudi Media, newly-elected Prime minister Maeen Abdulmalik and the cabinet members were shited safely to the city’s presidential palace.

Saudi media outlet Al-Arabiya’s correspondent in Aden quoted initial reports as saying that no Yemeni cabinet minister had been injured in the attack. There were explosions shortly after landing.

He added that two explosions had taken place while the cabinet members were getting off the plane. Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Al-Iryani has accused Iranian-backed Houthi Shiite rebels of involvement in the attack.

Aljazeera reported that “The number of casualties has not been confirmed yet but sources said the explosions were powerful.”

Reuters news agency reported by quoting Security sources that at least five people have been dead and dozens more injured in the attack.

While AFP correspondent at the scene reported that he heard two explosions. “At least two explosions were heard as the cabinet members were leaving the aircraft,” the correspondent said.

Saudi state television Ekhbaria showed destroyed vehicles and smashed glass. Plumes of white smoke rose from the scene.

Yemeni Prime minister Maeen Abdulmalik said in Tweet that he and the members of the government are in the temporary capital of Aden and everyone is fine,.

He added, “the cowardly terrorist act that targeted 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 fulfilling our duties until the coup is ended and the state restored and stability, mercy for the martyrs and healing for the wounded.”

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نحن واعضاء الحكومة في العاصمة المؤقتة عدن والجميع بخير، العمل الإرهابي الجبان الذي استهدف مطار عدن جزء من الحرب التي تشن على الدولة اليمنية وعلى شعبنا العظيم ولن يزيدنا إلا إصرارا على القيام بواجباتنا حتى إنهاء الانقلاب واستعادة الدولة والاستقرار، الرحمة للشهداء والشفاء للجرحى.

— معين عبد الملك Maeen Abdulmalek (@DrMaeenSaeed) December 30, 2020