2015 Photo Shared as a Recent Israeli Airstrike on Sana'a Airport
The Claim
Israeli strikes on Yemen airport.
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Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating a photo claiming to show a plane destroyed by the recent Israeli airstrike on Sana'a Airport in Yemen.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral photo and found the claim misleading, as it is old and not of a plane destroyed in the recent Israeli airstrike on Sana'a Airport.
Saudi-Led Coalition Attack on Sana’a Airport
The photo dates back to April 29, 2015, showing a destroyed Yemeni Air Force cargo plane on the runway of Sana'a International Airport after being targeted in an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition. The photo was taken by photographer Khaled Abdullah for Reuters.
At the time, coalition spokesperson Ahmed Asiri said a coalition fighter jet bombed the runway to prevent an Iranian plane from landing in the Yemeni capital.
Asiri explained that the bombing occurred after the Iranian plane ignored the air blockade imposed on Yemen, did not coordinate with coalition authorities, and the pilot ignored a clear warning to return. He added that the attack made the runway unusable for flights.
Meanwhile, Iran's news agency reported that Saudi planes attempted to force an Iranian Red Crescent aircraft carrying food and medical aid to turn back after entering Yemeni airspace, but the pilots ignored what it described as "illegal warnings."
Israel Strikes Different Targets in Yemen
The claim emerged after Israeli occupation forces launched a series of airstrikes on Thursday, December 26, targeting several sites in Yemen, including Sana'a International Airport, the Port of Hudaydah, and other key facilities. The strikes killed six Yemenis and wounded 40 others.
The Houthis Announce Targeting Ben Gurion Airport
In response to the Israeli strikes on Sana'a Airport and the Port of Hudaydah, the Houthi group said in a statement that it targeted Ben Gurion Airport with a "Palestine 2" hypersonic missile and struck another vital target in the occupied Yafa area with a drone.
The group claimed the operations were successful, despite Israeli attempts to conceal the aftermath. It added that the attacks caused casualties and disrupted air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport.
Read More
This Video Does Not Show Recent Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen
This Photo Is Unrelated to the Recent Israeli Attack on Sana'a International Airport
