Israeli strikes damage National Museum of Yemen in Sanaa

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa last Wednesday damaged the National Museum of Yemen, shattering windows and doors and compromising the security of thousands of ancient artifacts housed within the institution. The attack, which killed at least 46 people and wounded 165 others, has raised urgent concerns about the protection of Yemen’s cultural heritage amid ongoing regional conflict.timesofisrael

The September 10 strikes targeted multiple locations in Sanaa and the northern province of Al-Jawf, including a military headquarters, fuel station, and the offices of two local newspapers where 26 journalists were among the casualties. Associated Press footage from the museum site shows debris scattered across the courtyard, with promotional banners featuring exhibits from the collection strewn about the area.theartnewspaper

Extensive Damage to Cultural Heritage

Amida Sholan, an archaeologist and professor at Sanaa University, confirmed to The Art Newspaper that the damage “extended to the museum’s main hall, where a number of artefacts and photographs are on display, as well as to the museum’s doors, windows, and storage rooms”. The museum’s early 20th-century building, which itself is considered a historic landmark, suffered shattered windows throughout and damage to its facade.theartnewspaper

The institution houses more than 75,000 historical artifacts, including ancient sculptures, manuscripts, and items from pre-Islamic periods, as well as objects documenting Islamic history and Yemen’s more recent past. Among its most prized exhibits is the bronze statue of Ma’ad Karib from the fifth to sixth centuries BC, considered a cornerstone of Yemen’s archaeological legacy.turkiyetoday

Sholan, who was outside Yemen when the attack occurred, expressed particular concern about the security breach. “Our greatest concern at the moment is the risk of looting, especially since all of the doors and windows have been completely destroyed,” she told The Art Newspaper. The museum, which reopened in May 2023 after being closed for approximately 10 years due to Yemen’s civil war, now faces new vulnerabilities in protecting its collection.apnews

Calls for International Protection

The Houthi culture ministry has issued urgent appeals to UNESCO, calling on the UN cultural agency to condemn the attack and intervene to protect Yemen’s cultural heritage. The General Authority for Antiquities and Museums in Sanaa described the attacks as “criminal” and invoked the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.timesofisrael

“The National Museum is not only a cornerstone of Yemen’s cultural identity but also a vital part of humanity’s shared heritage,” officials emphasized in their statement to UNESCO. The ministry called for the international community to document these acts as violations against human heritage to ensure accountability.almayadeen

However, UNESCO’s ability to assess the damage remains limited. A UNESCO spokesperson told The Art Newspaper that the organization “has not yet been able to verify the damages to cultural heritage as the organisation has no presence in Sanaa”. UNESCO suspended all activities in Houthi-controlled areas after four of its staff members were detained by the de facto authorities and remain in custody.theartnewspaper

Regional Tensions and Cultural Impact

The strikes were part of Israel’s response to a Houthi drone attack that breached Israel’s air defenses and crashed into Ramon Airport in southern Israel, injuring one person. The Iranian-backed Houthis have been launching missiles and drones toward Israel for over 22 months, claiming their actions support Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict.thehill

The Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the explosions, appears to have escaped damage. The ancient metropolis, continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years, became a center of the Yemeni kingdom in the second century BC and later served as a crucial inland trading hub.theartnewspaper

“We welcome any efforts to document the damage, as it helps draw the attention of the international community to the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need to protect Yemen’s heritage,” Sholan said.theartnewspaper