Yemen’s internationally recognised government says it carries out an attack on the runway of Sanaa International Airport, which is controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthis, to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. In statements, Yemen’s leadership says it directed forces to limit the confrontation so it does not draw Yemen into conflicts “serving” Iranian interests, and it warns that it will not allow aircraft to violate Yemeni airspace, whether at Sanaa or other airports. Several reports describe the action as targeting the runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing.
Houthi officials attribute the strike to Saudi Arabia, with no public confirmation from Saudi authorities in the accounts provided. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree says Saudi Arabia is responsible and says the aggression will be met with a response. One report also links the broader dispute to a failed effort to persuade a Houthi delegation traveling to Tehran for the late Iranian Supreme Leader’s funeral to board a Yemenia flight back instead. The Yemeni government operates out of Aden, while Sanaa is under Houthi control.
