The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recently experienced a dangerous close call when an attack took place at Aden International Airport in Yemen. The attack, which occurred on June 19th, 2021, resulted in the death of at least six soldiers from the United Arab Emirates’ forces stationed in the country. Amidst ongoing conflict in the region and deteriorating security conditions, the WHO chief’s close encounter highlights the challenges of safely conducting essential work in areas plagued by violence. Tedros, who was en route to discussions about the ongoing conflict in Yemen, managed to escape unharmed but the incident drew attention to the plight of civilians and aid workers in dangerous regions.
The incident at Aden International Airport occurred as Tedros, accompanied by a delegation of officials, arrived in Yemen to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has left millions of civilians struggling for food, medical care, and safety. Despite the deteriorating security conditions, the appearance of the WHO chief aimed to demonstrate solidarity with Yemenis and to conduct desperately needed talks on improving the situation.
Security at the airport heightened in anticipation of the high-profile arrival, but the efforts were not enough to thwart a coordinated attack. An airport source reported that a projectile pierced the fence of Aden International Airport, while another slammed into the fuel station at the airport. Meanwhile, a car bomb was detonated nearby, adding to the deadly chaos that unfolded during the attack.
A spokesperson for the United Nations, which oversees the WHO, confirmed Tedros’ narrow escape from “a very dangerous attack” and expressed gratitude for the prompt evacuations that took place after the incident. Key personnel, including Tedros, were escorted out of harm’s way, while local forces launched counterattacks against the perpetrators in order to regain control of the airport.
As the world closely monitors the ongoing conflict in Yemen, with millions displaced and living under the threat of violence and famine, such attack raises awareness about the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The WHO chief’s escape further emphasizes the importance of addressing the security risks faced by aid workers, who are critical in addressing humanitarian crises.
