The Yemeni government vowed that it will continue to forge ahead with its duties until the Iran-backed Houthi coup is defeated and the state is restored.
It made its remarks shortly after a terrorist attack struck Aden international airport on Wednesday moments after a plane landed carrying the newly formed cabinet for government-held parts of Yemen.
At least 22 people were killed and dozens wounded in the attack. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik said all members of the cabinet were “fine”.
Loud blasts and gunfire were heard shortly after the plane arrived from Riyadh. A local security source said three mortar shells had landed on the airport’s hall.
“We and the members of the government are in the temporary capital of Aden and everyone is fine,” Maeen tweeted from Maasheq palace. “The cowardly terrorist act that targeted Aden airport is part of the war that is being waged against the Yemeni state and its great people.”
President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi ordered the formation of an investigation team to probe the attack. It is headed by the interior minister and members of security and intelligence agencies. It will operate in coordination with the Saudi-led Arab coalition.
In a telephone call with the premier, Hadi said the Houthi terrorist attacks will not deter the legitimate government from carrying out its duties in the interim capital Aden.
“The forces of good will always prevail over the forces of evil,” he stressed.
Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar said the cowardly airport attack will not deter the government and coalition from restoring normalcy and the authority of the state in liberated regions, vowing in a telephone call with the PM that the criminals will be held accountable.
Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barkani said the cowardly airport attack will only increase the determination of parties that are loyal to Yemen.
Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani accused the Houthis of being behind the attack.
Spokesman for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Nizar Haitham, confirmed the safety of everyone who was on board the government plane.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the undersecretary of the ministry of public works, Yasmine al-Awadi, was killed.
“I condemn the cowardly attack on Aden Airport timed to coincide with the arrival of the new government. A despicable attempt to cause carnage and chaos and bring suffering when Yemenis had chosen to move forward together,” tweeted British Ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron.
