Aden Airport

Two missiles struck the airport in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden on Friday night, October 16, according to reports from Yemeni officials. The attack was blamed on the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, adding to growing security concerns in a city that serves as the base of operations for Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

No casualties were immediately reported from the airport strike. Officials said the missiles landed inside the airport grounds, close to a Yemenia Airways passenger aircraft that was preparing for take-off. The aircraft was reportedly moved away from danger.

The strike followed an attack on Aden’s Al-Maashiq presidential palace complex on Thursday, October 15, which killed five people and injured 16, according to Yemen’s Health Ministry. The casualties included security personnel and civilian employees.

Presidential palace attack killed five

The presidential palace complex is an important government site in Aden, which has served as the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government since Houthi forces seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

Yemeni officials said the Houthis fired missiles at the palace complex. The country’s prime minister and cabinet members were reported safe after the attack.

The Houthis said they had targeted a military operations headquarters associated with Saudi forces. However, Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the group’s claims about the target.

The latest attacks underline the growing danger facing government-held areas as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Aden remains the government’s operational centre

Despite the attacks, a Yemeni government adviser said the authorities intended to continue operating from Aden. The government has also instructed security and military agencies to take measures to protect state institutions.

Aden’s importance extends beyond politics. The southern port city is a key transport and commercial centre, and its airport is an important connection for passengers travelling into and out of government-held parts of Yemen.

Any sustained disruption to airport operations could affect civilian travel, government movement and humanitarian activities.

Yemen’s conflict enters a more dangerous phase

Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when Houthi forces took control of Sanaa and pushed the internationally recognised government out of the capital. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 in support of the government.

A truce agreed in 2022 reduced major hostilities for a period, but fighting has intensified again in recent weeks. Government forces have been seeking to regain territory, while the Houthis have continued missile and drone operations.

The renewed violence is also unfolding amid wider regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and other countries. Recent attacks attributed to the Houthis have targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports and energy-related sites.

Civilian safety and humanitarian concerns

The latest strikes raise further concerns about the safety of civilians and essential infrastructure. Yemen has endured years of conflict, displacement, food insecurity and pressure on its healthcare system.

Further attacks on airports, ports or government facilities could make travel and the delivery of essential supplies more difficult. The full impact of the latest airport strike, including any longer-term disruption to flights, was not immediately clear.

The situation remains fluid, and further official information will be needed to establish the extent of damage and whether airport operations have been affected.