NEW YORK — On the last day of a year that has continued to brutalize the war-torn people of Yemen, UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths condemned a “despicable attack” on the country’s newly formed government as they arrived at Aden airport on Wednesday.

“Targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law”, Griffiths said on Thursday. “A transgression of such magnitude potentially amounts to a war crime”.

According to video footage, a large blast exploded as passengers disembarked the plane arriving at the airport. At the same time, a welcoming group on the tarmac fled as thick smoke billowed from the airport terminal and the sound of gunfire was heard soon afterward. In a call with the Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak, the UN special envoy reiterated his unequivocal condemnation of the cowardly attack on the Yemeni Cabinet that killed and injured dozens of civilians, including aid workers.

Griffiths offered his sincere condolences for those who lost loved ones and expressed hope for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

The UN envoy called it “a truly sad day for Yemen,” pointing out that the “despicable attack horrified Yemenis not just in Aden, but across the country.

Griffiths expressed his support and solidarity with President Hadi and the government. He commended the steadfastness of the prime minister and the Cabinet members and lauded their swift reassurance to the Yemeni public of their commitment to continue their service despite all challenges.

“This Cabinet is a signal of hope that reconciliation is possible”, said the UN official, adding that the “horrific attack was a deliberate attempt to turn this moment of hope to one of rift and despair, and to derail efforts to achieve peace and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people”.

“The United Nations will continue supporting Yemenis to reach a future of sustainable peace, free from the fear and grief of days like yesterday,” stressed the UN special envoy. — UN news