The internationally recognized Yemeni government confirmed Monday that it attacked the runway at Sanaa International Airport, aiming to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, according to Reuters.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government confirmed at 15:07 Jerusalem that it struck the landing runway at Sanaa International Airport earlier today, explicitly aiming to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing, according to a Reuters report. The confirmation reshapes the narrative of the day's events, shifting responsibility from Saudi Arabia—initially blamed by the Houthis—to the anti-Houthi coalition, and follows hours of conflicting reports.
At 14:03 Jerusalem, multiple reports emerged simultaneously: the Houthi movement accused Saudi Arabia of striking the airport; the Yemeni Defense Ministry (opposing the Houthis) warned civilians to evacuate; Saudi Arabia was reported to have struck the runways; and an Iranian Mahan Air flight was forced to divert to Hodeida. By 14:19 Jerusalem, The Zioneer had reported the evacuation warning. The thread shows that initial accounts attributed the strike to Saudi Arabia, but the new confirmation from the Yemeni government directly alters that attribution, aligning with the anti-Houthi ministry's earlier warning of "appropriate measures."
The Yemeni Presidency had called on Iran to cease violating Yemeni airspace earlier Monday, as The Zioneer reported at 00:22 Jerusalem. The broader context includes the Saudi-led air blockade and ongoing tensions between the anti-Houthi coalition and Iran over supply routes. The Zioneer previously reported on the Yemeni defense ministry's evacuation warning and the diversion of the Iranian plane.
The fate of the Iranian plane remains open: reports indicate it diverted to Hodeida, but its current status is unverified. The Houthi authorities have not commented on the Yemeni government's claim. The extent of damage to the runway and any casualties is not yet reported.
18 developments
- DevelopingThe source reports Yemeni sources publish footage from Sanaa airport after reported lifting of Saudi siege
- DevelopingHouthi foreign ministry warns Saudi Arabia: disrupting Sanaa airport will have consequences
- StrongHouthi spokesman warns Saudi airports targeted if blockade continues
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia reportedly strikes targets in Yemen
Source and signal
- Internal intake