Israeli Airstrikes Severely Damage Yemen’s National Museum in Sanaa

The National Museum of Yemen in Sanaa’s Al-Tahrir Square has suffered extensive damage following recent Israeli airstrikes on the city center, according to Yemen’s General Authority for Antiquities and Museums. The attack, which took place on the 10th of September, destroyed parts of the museum’s structure and caused significant damage to its historical artifacts.

According to the report, 34 rare antiquities dating back to pre-Christian eras were damaged in the strikes. Among the affected items are the fifth-century BC bronze statue known as the ‘Lady of Frankincense’ and a sculpture of a deer. Additionally, historic buildings within the museum complex, including ‘Dar Al-Saada’ and ‘Dar Al-Malia’ — some of the oldest structures — have incurred serious damage.

So far, archaeologists and local rescue teams have managed to retrieve 218 artifacts intact from the rubble. However, 13 historic inscriptions, along with 4 artifacts from the Hadhramaut section and 11 other items in the Sabaeans’ Hall, have been broken.

The ongoing Israeli military strikes on civilian and cultural sites, particularly historic and heritage landmarks, have sparked grave concern both nationally and internationally. Attacks on such institutions are seen not only as threats to a nation’s historical memory but also as violations of international humanitarian law and its core values.