As tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, Israel launched airstrikes towards Yemen's international airport in Sana'a on Thursday. Latest reports have stated that the airstrikes hit the airport as a civilian passenger plane was attempting to land on the runway.
Julien Harneis, UN's top humanitarian official told UN reporters that the most frightening thing about the two airstrikes wasn't their effect on him and about 15 others in the VIP lounge at the airport, but the destruction of the airport control tower as the Yemenia Airways plane was attempting to land.
“Fortunately, that plane was able to land safely and the passengers were able to disembark, but it could have been far, far worse,” said Harneis, who was with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the lounge.
The WHO chief also went on record about the strikes and stated that he narrowly escaped the attack.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to X and shared that the strike hit the airport as he prepared to board a flight in Sana'a.
"As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our plane라이브 바카라 crew members was injured. At least two people were reported killed at the airport. The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," he added.
Speaking to Reuters, the WHO chief said he wasn't sure if he would survive.
"I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close, a few meters from where we were. A slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit," he said.
Tedros further added that Israel issued no warning that it would be targeting the airport.
Israel's airstrikes on Yemen come after repeated exchange of fire with militant and Iranian-backed Houthis. Israeli airstrikes were launched on Thursday, after Houthis launched missiles towards Tel Aviv.
While Israel was condemned for its fresh strikes towards Yemen, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "just getting started" with the Houthis.
After per Saba News Agency, at least three people were killed in Hodeidah, with 40 others, including a UN employee, injured due to the attacks.
