Yes, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes and the massive shockwaves from nearby explosions have significantly damaged and destroyed historic buildings in the Old City of Sanaa. [1, 2]
Since the military intervention in Yemen began in 2015, international bodies, archaeologists, and local officials have documented widespread destruction of the capital's 2,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site. [1, 2]
Documented Damage from Airstrikes
- Direct Hits: Multiple targeted airstrikes in neighborhoods like Al-Qasimi and the Ottoman-era Al-Owrdhi historical compound severely flattened or reduced multi-story, mud-brick tower houses to rubble. [1, 2, 3]
- Vibration Damage: Experts note that even bombs landing nearby cause destructive shockwaves. Because Sanaa's traditional architecture relies on fragile organic materials—including unbaked mud, clay, gypsum, and stone—the powerful vibrations create huge cracks and compromise the structural foundations of ancient residences, leading to delayed collapses. [1, 2]
International and Official Response
- UNESCO Condemnations: The leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization repeatedly expressed profound shock and sorrow, condemning the strikes for destroying irreplaceable jewels of Islamic urban heritage. [1, 2]
- Coalition Denials: While international monitors and local residents heavily attribute the destruction to the air campaign, the Saudi-led coalition has at times denied targeting the Old City directly or suggested secondary factors, such as weapon cache detonations within the urban area. [1, 2]
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