Hundreds mourn 31 Yemeni journalists killed in Israeli airstrikes
Funeral services in Sanaa draw large crowds as rights groups warn of rising dangers for media workers
ADEN, Yemen (MNTV) — Hundreds of mourners on Tuesday attended funeral services in Sanaa for 31 Yemeni journalists killed in Israeli airstrikes last week, as grief and outrage mounted over one of the deadliest attacks on media workers in recent years.
The strikes, carried out on Wednesday, followed a drone launched by Houthi forces that penetrated Israel’s air defenses and struck a southern airport, injuring one person.
In retaliation, Israeli warplanes bombed multiple sites in the Yemeni capital, including residential districts, a military headquarters, and a fuel station, according to health officials in the Houthi-run north.
The attack also damaged the National Museum of Yemen, with footage showing severe façade destruction, while a government facility in Jawf province was hit. Dozens of civilians were reported killed in addition to the journalists.
Funeral prayers and burials were broadcast live by Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, showing coffins carried into a mosque before mourners. Attendees described the turnout as significant, though some suggested heavy rainfall kept more people from participating.
Rights groups condemned the strikes, highlighting the heightened risks faced by journalists in Yemen.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was working to confirm the identities and circumstances of the journalists’ deaths.
Human Rights Watch reported that a media center housing two newspapers was also struck, calling the attack another stark reminder of the vulnerability of journalists in conflict zones.
“The recent Israeli forces’ attack further highlights the threats journalists are facing in Yemen, not just by domestic authorities but also by external warring parties,” the group said.
Yemen analyst Mohammed Al-Basha noted that staff of the state-linked “September 26” newspaper were among the casualties, as the strike hit while they were preparing the next edition.
The Houthis have escalated missile and drone attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping for nearly two years, declaring solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with repeated waves of airstrikes on Yemeni territory.
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