Israeli Strikes Wipe Out Sanaa Return Option for Yemeni Pilgrims

A senior Yemeni official said the government has drawn up comprehensive plans for the post-Hajj period this year, aiming to ensure the safe return of all Yemeni pilgrims, including those travelling from areas controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia, through multiple air and land border crossings.

Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Dr. Mohammed bin Aida Shabiba, told Asharq Al-Awsat the government, in coordination with relevant authorities, has put in place “realistic and secure alternative plans to ensure the safe return of Yemeni pilgrims, whether through Seiyun or Aden airports, or via the Al-Wadiah land crossing.”

He added that logistical preparations had been stepped up to facilitate smooth transportation and reception operations.

Meanwhile, pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday, the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, for the Day of Tarwiyah, chanting prayers and praises as part of the annual Hajj rituals.

Roughly 64% of pilgrims were expected to spend the day in Mina, while 36% were set to head directly to Mount Arafat for the main rite of standing at Arafat. After sunset, they will travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night, before returning to Mina to observe the ritual stoning of the three pillars - Jamarat al-Aqaba, the Middle Jamarah, and the Small Jamarah - on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and for some, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

The number of Yemeni pilgrims performing Hajj this season stands at 24,255, the official quota allocated to Yemen by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Separately, Israel has launched nine retaliatory strikes in recent months, destroying Sanaa International Airport and the last civilian aircraft operating there, in addition to targeting ports in Hodeidah, power stations, and two cement factories.

The attacks came after the Iran-backed Houthi group fired around 32 ballistic missiles and launched multiple drones at Israel since March.

Most of the projectiles caused no significant damage, although one missile exploded near Ben Gurion Airport on May 4 after Israeli air defenses failed to intercept it due to a technical malfunction.

Last year, the Houthis seized four civilian aircraft belonging to Yemen Airways, disrupting the travel plans of more than 1,300 pilgrims who remained stranded in the holy sites for an extended period.

In a bid to prevent any similar delays this year, Shabiba said the Ministry of Endowments and Guidance had developed a comprehensive post-Hajj plan from the outset.

The plan covers all Yemeni pilgrims, with particular attention to those coming from Houthi-held areas, whose suffering has been compounded by the recent Israeli airstrikes that destroyed their aircraft at Sanaa International Airport.

“The Houthi militia recklessly endangered their lives for political gain,” Shabiba said, accusing the group of exploiting the situation at the pilgrims' expense.

Shabiba added that the Israeli strikes had “effectively eliminated the option of air travel via Sanaa,” posing a further challenge to the government’s efforts.

“Despite these obstacles,” he said, “the Ministry, in constant coordination with Yemen Airways, the Land Transport Authority, and all concerned agencies, has developed realistic and secure alternatives to ensure the safe return of all pilgrims.

These include flights through Seiyun and Aden airports, as well as travel via the Al-Wadiah land crossing. Preparations have been ramped up to ensure smooth transportation and reception procedures.”

The minister also expressed his “gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership and government, particularly the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, for their generous support and exceptional measures to ensure the comfort of Yemeni pilgrims throughout their journey, from arrival to accommodation and onward travel.”

aawsat.com