ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned an attack at Aden airport in Yemen, in which at least 22 people were killed and dozens were wounded moments after a plane landed carrying a newly formed cabinet for government-held parts of Yemen.
Hours after the attack, Reuters reported, a second explosion was heard around Aden’s Maasheq presidential palace where the cabinet members including Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik, as well as the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, had been taken to safety.
In the airport attack, loud blasts and gunfire were heard, witnesses said. A local security source told media three mortar shells had landed on the airport’s hall.
“We extend our sincere condolences on the loss of precious lives and wish speedy recovery for the injured,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “We believe this attack was not just condemnable as an act of senseless violence and terrorism, it was also reprehensible as an attempt to undermine the recent efforts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its positive results, that aimed at fostering enhanced peace and security in Yemen.”
The foreign office urged the international community to ensure respect for the territorial integrity of Yemen and support efforts aimed at promoting peace and security in the country.
“Most of the dead and wounded are civilians,” a local health official told Arab News.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.











