The international airport of Aden (ADE), Yemen’s provisional capital, was seemingly targeted by an attack shortly after a governmental plane landed.
The delegation was on board an Airbus A320, registration 7O-AFB, operated by Yemenia. Officials of the newly formed government were walking down the airbridge when several explosions hit one of the airport’s terminals.
At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, according to first reports. None of the delegation members were injured. While the nature of the explosive used has not yet been confirmed, footage of the scene seems to indicate that missiles or mortar shells were used.
NEW – footage reportedly showing a missile that hit the Aden Airport in #Yemen earlier today.pic.twitter.com/tbzl7vTHPr
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 30, 2020
A new unity government uniting Yemeni loyalists and southern separatists was formed on December 28, 2020, under the influence of Saudi Arabia. In November 2019, an agreement was signed between the two sides in order to unite against the Houthi insurgents in the north of the country.
A United Nations A320, registered LY-VEW, was heading to Aden, but changed course after the airport bombings. It eventually landed in Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia.