International Report Documents: Israeli Attack on “26 September” Newspaper Headquarters in Sanaa a War Crime Killing 31 Journalists
INSI: Victims Were Civilians… Attack Destroyed Yemen’s Historical Archive Amid International Silence
NYN | Reports and Analyses
A report issued by the International News Safety Institute (INSI) documented what it described as an “Israeli” attack on the headquarters of the government-owned 26 September newspaper in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on September 10, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of 31 journalists and media workers and injuries to dozens more, marking one of the deadliest assaults on media personnel in Yemen.
The report confirmed that the attack represents a serious escalation in targeting journalists in conflict zones, noting that it constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Occupation Justifications Contradicted by Field Investigation
The report stated that Israeli forces justified the strike as targeting what they called the “Houthi Public Relations Directorate.” However, a field investigation concluded that the victims were editors, technicians, and civilian staff inside the newspaper building, not military personnel or participants in combat operations.
Editor-in-Chief: “It Was a Massacre; the Office Became a Pit”
The report cited Editor-in-Chief Nasser Al-Khodari, who described the attack as a “massacre,” emphasizing the complete destruction of the facility, which had turned into a large crater—a shocking scene for survivors and staff.
Destruction of Historical Archive Documenting Decades of Yemen’s Memory
The report noted that the attack did not only target journalists but also destroyed one of Yemen’s most important historical archives, held by the newspaper and containing documents and materials spanning decades of the country’s history.
Al-Khodari was quoted saying:
“This archive was the history of the country… it was destroyed and scattered,” expressing regret over the inability to save it.
Survivors Live in Fear Amid Troubling International Silence
In conclusion, the magazine highlighted that survivors continue to live in constant fear, amid the absence of clear international condemnation. The report emphasized that targeting journalists constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which protects journalists as civilians unless they are directly participating in hostilities.
