Dozens of people killed or injured in attack on Aden airport

By Nathan Morley

Hundreds of people were gathered on the airfield when the blast struck, causing the crowd to scatter as they rushed for cover. The incident on Wednesday afternoon was caught live on national television.

According to reports, dozens of casualties were admitted to local hospitals. People were still disembarking from the plane carrying members of Yemen's new government when the explosion hit.

Reuters reported that three mortar shells landed on the terminal.

It’s reported that at least 22 people lost their lives. Three Red Cross staff members were among the dead.

"The International Committee of the Red Cross is profoundly saddened that three of our colleagues were among those killed in Aden's airport explosion earlier today," the agency said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the atrocity.

Leaders condemn attack

Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed —condemned what he called a cowardly terrorist act.

Martin Griffiths, U.N. special envoy for Yemen strongly condemned the attack. ‘My sincere condolences and solidarity to all who lost loved ones.’