Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), issued a statement today regarding an attack on Sana’a airport as WHO staff were preparing to depart. The attack, which took place around 5:00 PM local time, resulted in at least two reported fatalities and left one crew member injured.
Dr. Tedros shared, “As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our plane’s 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.”
Despite the terrifying events, Dr. Tedros confirmed that he and his colleagues were unharmed: “My UN and WHO colleagues and I are safe,” he stated, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack. “Our heartfelt condolences to the families whose loved ones lost their lives in the attack.”
Dr. Tedros’s mission in Yemen had been focused on negotiating the release of detained United Nations staff and assessing the ongoing health and humanitarian situation in the country. The WHO and its partners continue to call for the immediate release of detainees held in Yemen.
“We continue to call for the detainees’ immediate release,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of restoring peace and security in the region.