Yemen’s internationally recognised government has ordered the closure of all airports to air traffic until further notice after its forces struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, marking a significant escalation in the country’s long-running conflict.
According to Reuters, the General Aviation Authority announced the nationwide airport closure following the attack, which the government said was carried out to stop an Iranian aircraft from landing in Houthi-controlled territory.
Government Accuses Houthis of Facilitating Iranian Flight
In an official statement, the Yemeni government alleged that the Iran-backed Houthi movement had prevented Yemeni civilian aircraft from operating normally while insisting on allowing an Iranian plane to enter the country’s airspace.
Authorities said the runway strike was intended to block the aircraft’s arrival.
Before launching the attack, Yemen’s Defence Ministry issued evacuation warnings for civilians, airport employees, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations operating around Sanaa International Airport.
The ministry also warned that any hostile aircraft violating Yemen’s airspace would be confronted.
Houthis Blame Saudi Arabia, Vow Response
The Houthis condemned the strike, accusing Saudi Arabia of carrying out the attack, though they did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned of retaliation, saying:
“Will not go unanswered or unpunished.”
Later on Monday, Houthi-operated media reported that the Iranian aircraft had instead landed in Hodeidah, a Red Sea port city under Houthi control.
According to the group, the plane was carrying medical patients, stranded Yemeni citizens and an official delegation returning from Tehran.
Fresh Escalation in Regional Tensions
The latest confrontation follows earlier accusations by the Houthis that Saudi Arabia had targeted an Iranian aircraft at Sanaa airport earlier this month. The group had subsequently threatened attacks on Saudi airports and key strategic infrastructure.
The internationally recognised government also alleged that the Houthis were detaining an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) aircraft at Sanaa airport, along with its pilot and co-pilot.
Conflict Continues to Fuel Humanitarian Crisis
Yemen’s civil war intensified in 2015 after the Saudi-led coalition intervened following the Houthi takeover of the capital, Sanaa.
The prolonged conflict has devastated the country and, according to the United Nations, triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, leaving millions in need of food, healthcare and humanitarian assistance.