Abida Kahlun
Helsinki Bureau Chief
Scandinavian news Finland
Airport Struck Amid Dispute Over Iranian Plane
Houthi rebels in Yemen said Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport on Monday, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government said the strikes were intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing there.
Houthi-controlled broadcaster al-Masirah aired footage showing a missile striking a runway at the airport in Sanaa, accompanied by a strong explosion.
Government Says Strike Targeted Iranian Flight
Yemen’s Defense Minister, Gen. Taher al-Aqili, said the airport’s runway was struck to stop a plane carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He added that Yemen’s patience had run out and warned of a response to any aircraft violating the country’s airspace and sovereignty.
Rashad al-Alimi, who heads Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, said Iran had requested a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Sanaa to return the Houthi delegation.
Iranian Plane Diverted, No Immediate Damage Reports
According to Houthi officials, the Iranian plane changed course and landed instead at Hodeidah Airport, with no immediate reports of damage to the Sanaa airport itself.
Yemen’s government subsequently ordered the closure of all the country’s airports until further notice.
Houthis Warn of Retaliation
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said on Telegram that the strikes marked the end of a period of “de-escalation” and warned that the attack would not go unpunished.
Saudi Arabia Has Not Confirmed the Strikes
Saudi Arabia had not immediately acknowledged carrying out airstrikes in Yemen, and officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background: Blockade and Regional Tensions
Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has maintained a blockade on Yemen’s land, sea, and air ports, restricting commercial and humanitarian imports including fuel and food.
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and the airport since 2014, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government operates from Aden in the south.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, with flights between Tehran and Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen reportedly increasing in recent days.
Background on the Saudi-led blockade of Yemen
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