Aden International Airport bombing in Yemen, 2020

 The Full Story of the 2020 Aden Airport Attack

On December 30th, 2020, a deadly attack targeted Aden International Airport in Yemen. The attack took place as the newly formed Yemeni government arrived at the airport from Saudi Arabia, where they had been based since 2015. The airport had recently been reopened for commercial flights after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The attack resulted in at least 28 deaths and more than 100 injuries, including government officials, soldiers, and civilians. The international community immediately condemned the attack, with the United Nations Security Council issuing a statement calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

Background

The attack on Aden Airport was the latest in a long line of violent incidents in Yemen, which has been plagued by conflict and instability for years. The country has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, when Houthi rebels took control of the capital city, Sana'a, and forced the internationally recognized government to flee.

Aden, the temporary seat of the Yemeni government, had been relatively stable compared to other parts of the country, but the political situation was fragile. There were tensions between the Yemeni government and southern separatists, who had declared autonomy in the region and were demanding greater political representation.

The Attack

On the morning of December 30th, a loud explosion rocked the airport, followed by gunfire. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers had targeted the area where the newly arrived government officials were waiting to be transported to their destination. The attackers were armed with automatic weapons and a missile, which they fired at a plane carrying government officials, but missed.

The attack was swift and brutal, leaving dozens dead and wounded. Among the casualties were the newly appointed Yemeni minister of youth and sports, and the governor of Aden. The wounded included the minister of transport, who was critically injured.

Responsibility

Initially, no group claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion immediately fell on the Houthi rebels, who had been waging a war against the Yemeni government for years. The Houthi rebels denied involvement, however, and a new group calling themselves "the Southern Transitional Council" claimed responsibility for the attack.

The investigation into the attack was carried out by the Yemeni government, which concluded that the Southern Transitional Council was responsible. The group denied the allegations, however, and accused the Yemeni government of carrying out a "false flag" operation to discredit them.

Aftermath

The attack had significant implications for the Yemeni government and the wider conflict. The government immediately declared a state of emergency and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attack also led to a suspension of peace talks between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels.

The attack was widely condemned by regional and international leaders, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and France issuing statements condemning the violence. The United Nations Security Council also issued a statement, expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

The attack highlighted the fragile political situation in Yemen and the challenges facing the new government. It also raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures at the airport and the ability of the Yemeni government to protect its citizens and officials.

Despite the investigation by the Yemeni government, many criticized the findings and accused the government of using the attack for political gain. Some also pointed to the involvement of outside actors, such as Iran or Saudi Arabia, in the attack.

The Aden Airport attack was a tragic and violent event that had significant implications for Yemen and the wider region. It underscored the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the challenges facing the new government in its efforts to establish stability and peace in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2020 Aden Airport attack was a tragic event that resulted in significant loss of life and injury. The attack highlighted the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the challenges facing the new government in establishing stability and peace in the country.

While the Yemeni government has attributed responsibility for the attack to the Southern Transitional Council, the investigation and findings have been criticized by many. The attack also had significant implications for the wider region, with the international community condemning the violence and calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

The Aden Airport attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

FAQs

Who was responsible for the Aden Airport attack?

The Yemeni government concluded that the Southern Transitional Council was responsible, but the group denied the allegations.

How many people were killed in the attack?

At least 28 people were killed in the attack, including government officials, soldiers, and civilians.

What impact did the attack have on the Yemeni government?

The attack had significant implications for the Yemeni government, leading to a state of emergency and a suspension of peace talks with the Houthi rebels.

Was the Aden Airport attack an isolated incident?

No, the attack was the latest in a long line of violent incidents in Yemen, which has been plagued by conflict and instability for years.

What was the international community's response to the attack?

The international community condemned the violence and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable, with the United Nations Security Council issuing a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims.