According to the report of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Health of the Houthi armed control area in Yemen, on September 10, 2025, local time, Israel carried out an air strike on the Yemeni capital Sana ‘a, causing damage to many civilian facilities and historical sites, among which the National Museum of Yemen suffered severe external structural damage. The air strike has killed at least 35 people and injured over 130. Thousands of historical relics in the museum are at risk of being damaged. After the incident, the cultural department of Yemen called on UNESCO to intervene to protect this museum of significant archaeological and cultural value.
On the night of the air strike, there were explosions and thick smoke in Sana’a. The surrounding buildings were forced to cut off power, and the glass in many blocks was shattered. The cultural department said that the exterior walls of the National Museum were significantly damaged, cracks appeared in several places on the roof, and Windows were shattered by the earthquake. Although it is not yet clear whether all the exhibits inside the museum are intact, the Ministry of Culture estimates that thousands of cultural relics may have been affected by air vibrations, flying debris, or microcracks caused by dust and impact.
The collection on display in this museum covers multiple historical periods of Yemen, including sculptures and pottery from the ancient Marib Kingdom period, calligraphy and manuscripts from early Islamic dynasties, as well as decorative artworks from the Imam era of Yemen. These collections are not only immeasurable in terms of artistic value, but also occupy an extremely important position in the history and identity of the nation. According to Wikipedia, since its reopening in 2023, the museum has housed over 30,000 ancient artifacts.
In addition to the National Museum, other historical sites in Sana’a were also damaged in the air strike. The cultural department of the Houthi armed control area said that several historical sites and some walls in the old town area were affected. Municipal personnel have begun to assess the extent of the damage and take photos and videos for record, to conduct investigations and secure funds needed for the subsequent restoration and preservation of cultural relics.
The Israeli government has not yet made a public statement on the specific responsibility of the museum or the intention of the air strike regarding the casualties and damage to cultural heritage. The Israeli authorities usually state that their objective is to respond to the drone and missile attacks launched by the Houthis group from Yemen towards Israel, and claim that their air strikes are limited to military and strategic targets only.
The international community responded promptly. A spokesperson for UNESCO in Geneva expressed extreme concern over the damage to the National Museum of Yemen and other historical sites, and called on all parties to respect the guidelines for the protection of cultural property and avoid harm to cultural heritage and architecture in conflicts. Several countries and international human rights organizations have also spoken out, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the actual damage to the museum’s internal collections caused by this attack and ensuring that similar facilities are protected in future conflicts.
Furthermore, the Houthis in Yemen regard this air strike as a direct attack on Yemen’s cultural heritage and national dignity. The minister of Culture said in a statement: “The National Museum is not only a warehouse for cultural relics; it is the collective memory of the Yemeni people.” Protecting our historical buildings and collections is protecting our roots and future.
At present, international heritage conservation institutions and local Yemeni organizations responsible for cultural heritage are collaborating to conduct emergency assessments to determine the extent of damage, preservation priorities, and restoration plans. UNESCO may offer technical support and financial assistance, but the actual situation still depends on the development of the conflict and the local security situation. Most of the injured were civilians, including those who approached the museum through air strikes or were mistakenly injured in the urban area. Humanitarian organizations also call for providing medical and psychological assistance to the victims and long-term protection guarantees for the reconstruction of historical sites.
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