A series of Israeli airstrikes on Sana’a last Wednesday damaged the national museum in the capital, Sanaa, according to local sources.
The building’s windows and doors were completely shattered, with promotional banners depicting works from its collection scattered across the courtyard.
Amida Sholan, an archaeologist and professor at Sanaa University, told The Art Newspaper that the damage extended to the museum’s main hall, where a number of artifacts and photographs are on display, as well as to the museum’s doors, windows, and storage rooms,”
Sholan, who was outside Yemen when the attack occurred, says she has not yet been able to confirm with colleagues whether any artefacts were damaged but warns, however, that the structural damage has compromised security, putting the museum’s collection at risk.
She added “Our greatest concern at the moment is the risk of looting, especially since all of the doors and windows have been completely destroyed,” she pointed out that the building itself is a historic landmark.
The building was revamped to museum was recently closed for around 10 years due to the conflict, and reopened to the public in May 2023. It is home to tens of thousands of objects, and its collection includes ancient artefacts, manuscripts, and sculptures from pre-Islamic periods, as well as items documenting Islamic history and Yemen’s more recent past.
A UNESCO spokesperson says the organization suspended all activities in Houthi rebels controlled areas after four of its staff were detained by them, and remain in custody. “Unesco has not yet been able to verify the damages to cultural heritage as the organization has no presence in Sanaa,” the spokesperson says.
Sholan concluded that while the Israeli also affected residential areas and a “very busy main street—the heart of the markets, with heavy traffic, bus stations, shops, and commercial markets”.