A powerful explosion that rocked the historic Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sparked international concern after the U.S. military claimed the blast was caused by a malfunctioning missile launched by Houthi forces. The explosion, which occurred on April 20, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 civilians and significant damage to the ancient city, known for its unique Islamic architecture and centuries-old buildings.
The U.S. Central Command, in a statement released following the incident, stated that their assessment, based on video evidence and local witness reports, indicated that the explosion was the result of a Houthi air defense missile that detonated shortly after launch. The missile fragments recovered from the site bore Arabic markings consistent with Houthi weaponry, and U.S. officials maintained that the closest American airstrike at the time was located over three miles away from the blast zone.
However, Houthi authorities rejected the U.S. explanation, insisting that the explosion was caused by an American airstrike. They accused the U.S. of attempting to deflect blame for the civilian casualties. The Houthi-run health ministry reported that 12 people were killed, and others injured, in the powerful explosion that shook residential areas of the Old City.
The Old City of Sanaa, continuously inhabited for more than 2,500 years, is recognized for its distinctive multi-story buildings made of rammed earth, adorned with geometric patterns and white gypsum decorations. The explosion caused further destruction to this already vulnerable cultural site, adding to the list of heritage losses suffered during Yemen’s prolonged civil conflict.
UNESCO condemned the attack and urged all parties involved in the conflict to avoid targeting cultural heritage sites. The organization reiterated its call for adherence to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, emphasizing that historical and cultural landmarks must not be used for military purposes or placed at risk during hostilities.
The incident comes amid a period of escalated U.S. military activity in Yemen, part of broader efforts to counter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea. These operations, ordered under President Donald Trump's renewed campaign against the Iran-aligned group, have led to a rise in military strikes and growing civilian casualties.
As investigations continue, the international community is calling for accountability, preservation of Yemen’s cultural treasures, and enhanced measures to protect civilians caught in the crossfire of an increasingly complex and devastating conflict.