World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly avoided an aerial attack at Sanaa International Airport on Thursday. The incident, which occurred as Tedros and his United Nations (UN) and WHO colleagues were preparing to board a flight, claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left one crew member injured.

In a post on X, the WHO chief Ghebreyesus said, "Our mission to negotiate the release of @UN staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in #Yemen concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees' immediate release. As we were about to board our flight from Sana'a, about two hours ago, 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. We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave. My UN and @WHO colleagues and I are safe. Our heartfelt condolences to the families whose loved ones lost their lives in the attack.”

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including a strong statement from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for adherence to international law. Guterres emphasised that civilians and humanitarian workers must never be targeted, reiterating the need to safeguard those providing critical aid in conflict zones.

The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by humanitarian missions in Yemen, where escalating violence continues to threaten the safety of both local populations and international aid workers.

The United Nations Secretary-General has condemned recent airstrikes in Yemen, which reportedly caused numerous casualties, including at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries. He renewed his call for all parties involved to cease military actions and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israeli Air Force conducted the strikes, targeting Houthi military infrastructure across Yemen's western coast and inland regions. The strikes reportedly hit multiple sites, including Sana'a International Airport, Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, and key ports in Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib. The IDF stated that the targeted facilities were being used for Houthi military operations.

The attacks have intensified concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict on civilian populations and critical infrastructure in Yemen.