Pro-Saudi officials reportedly flee Al-Maashiq Palace in Aden

ADEN, July 13 (YPA) – Several pro-Saudi government officials and military commanders reportedly departed ِAl-Maashiq Palace in Aden for Riyadh via Aden International Airport in a sudden move

Southern media outlets reported that military vehicles escorted a number of officials and commanders from the presidential palace to Aden International Airport in the Khormaksar district. The reports indicated that pro-Saudi Defense Minister Taher al-Oqaili was among those who departed for the Saudi capital.

The departure came shortly before Saudi Arabia’s “Special Committee” allegedly ordered the closure of Aden International Airport, the evacuation of airport personnel from the terminal, and the diversion of flights to Djibouti International Airport.

The same sources said the officials’ departure was carried out under Saudi directives, although no official explanation has been provided for either the reported evacuation or the subsequent closure of Aden and Seiyun airports to civilian traffic.

The airport closures sparked widespread criticism and ridicule on social media after an Iranian aircraft carrying a Sanaa delegation returning from Tehran reportedly bypassed Saudi warnings and landed at Hodeidah International Airport following Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport.

Activists questioned the justification for the Saudi-imposed restrictions, which they said had disrupted travel for Yemeni patients using Aden International Airport, while renewing calls for the reopening of all civilian airports across Yemen, including Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla, which has remained closed since 2016.

@E.Y.M