Massive explosions shake al-Anad military base in the South of Yemen
ALBAWABA- A series of massive explosions erupted Thursday evening at a weapons and ammunition depot inside the Al-Anad military base in Lahj governorate, southern Yemen, triggering widespread panic among nearby residents. Also Read Thai airstrikes kill 12 Cambodians in escalating border clash
According to local sources who spoke to Al-Masdar Online, the blasts were powerful enough to be heard across large parts of Taban district and surrounding areas near the base.
انفجارات عنيفة في مخزن للأسلحة بمحور العند في محافظة لحجهزّت انفجارات عنيفة، مساء اليوم الخميس، مخزن أسلحة وذخائر تابعة لمحور العند العسكري في محافظة لحج، ما أثار حالة من الهلع في أوساط السكان القاطنين بالقرب من المنطقة.
وقالت مصادر محلية لـ"المصدر أونلاين" إن دوي الانفجارات… pic.twitter.com/I4wxgXRAVA — المصدر أونلاين (@almasdaronline) July 24, 2025
Witnesses reported flames and thick smoke billowing from the site, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by military or security authorities regarding the cause of the explosions, and it remains unknown whether the incident was accidental or deliberate.
Al-Anad Air Base is located in Lahj Governorate in southern Yemen, approximately 60 kilometers north of Aden, near Tuban District. It is considered the largest and most strategic military airbase in Yemen.
The base has long served as a central hub for the Yemeni Air Force, featuring runways for fighter jets, training facilities, and maintenance infrastructure. Also Read Israel launches a new wave of airstrikes on southern Lebanon
Its strategic location along the main route linking Aden to northern provinces gives it significant military and tactical importance, especially in overseeing critical areas in Lahj and Taiz.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, Al-Anad has been used by Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition as a command center for military operations against Houthi forces in southern and western frontlines.
The base has also been the target of multiple attacks over the years, including a high-profile drone strike in 2019 that killed and injured senior military officials.
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