Yemen closes all airports after strike on Sanaa airport to block Iranian plane
Sanaa: Yemen's internationally recognised government has ordered the immediate closure of all airports across the country after an operation targeting Sanaa International Airport, saying the move was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.
Authorities announced that every airport in Yemen would remain shut until further notice, with the order taking effect immediately. Although the internationally recognised government does not administer airports in Houthi-controlled territories, aircraft entering Yemeni airspace require approval under restrictions enforced by the Saudi-led coalition, which backs the government.
The latest developments centre on an Iranian aircraft reportedly carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Iran. According to Yemeni officials, the delegation had attended the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before attempting to fly back to Sanaa.
Government officials said military action was taken to prevent the aircraft from landing. Defence Minister Gen. Taher al-Aqili said the runway at Sanaa International Airport was targeted as part of efforts to stop the flight, warning shortly beforehand that Yemeni airspace would not be allowed to receive Iranian aircraft without consequences.
In a video statement released before the strike, al-Aqili said the government had exhausted its patience and would respond to what it described as violations of Yemen's sovereignty. He added that authorities were prepared to confront any aircraft viewed as breaching the country's airspace.
The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa, said the Iranian aircraft changed course and landed instead at Hodeida Airport. They also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the airstrikes and described the incident as the end of a period of relative de-escalation between the two sides.
Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm any military operation, and there was no official response from Saudi authorities regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Defence Ministry instructed people to evacuate Sanaa airport and nearby areas as a precaution. Initial reports did not indicate major damage to airport facilities following the strike.
Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi said Iran had requested permission for the Mahan Air flight to travel from Tehran to Sanaa to transport the Houthi delegation home. He also announced an emergency meeting of the council following the incident.
While defending the government's actions, al-Alimi said he had instructed military leaders not to widen the confrontation in a way that could serve Iran's interests or draw Yemen into a broader regional conflict.
The airport closure and military action come against the backdrop of Yemen's long-running civil war, in which the internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, has been fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement for years.
With AP inputs