WHO Chief Tedros Describes Close Call as Israeli Air Strikes Hit Yemeni Airport.

Yemen:

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that he was at Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport when it was struck by Israeli air strikes on Sunday. The airstrikes, which Israel said targeted the airport, two power stations, and ports, left at least two people dead and caused significant damage to airport infrastructure.

In a statement, Ghebreyesus confirmed that one of the crew members from his plane was injured in the attack. He also shared his condolences for those who lost their lives, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences to the families whose loved ones lost their lives in the attack.” The WHO mission, which was focused on negotiating the release of detained UN staff and assessing the humanitarian situation in Yemen, was forced to halt due to the damage to the airport’s facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously vowed to “destroy the infrastructure of Houthis” following Houthi strikes on Israel, with the Houthis being an Iran-backed armed group that controls parts of Yemen. Iran condemned Israel’s air strikes, calling them “an undeniable crime against the heroic and noble people of Yemen.”

As of now, WHO officials are safe, and their departure from the airport is delayed until repairs are completed.