Overview
- The runway at Sanaa International Airport was struck on Monday to stop an Iranian plane from landing, according to Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- Houthi officials said the Iranian flight instead diverted and landed at Hodeidah, while the government ordered all Yemeni airports closed and ordered evacuations around Sanaa airport.
- Hours after the runway attack, Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles toward southern Saudi airports including Abha, and Saudi air defences reported intercepting the incoming threats.
- Responsibility for the initial strike is disputed: the Aden-based government says its forces carried it out to block an unauthorised Iranian flight, while the Houthis blame Saudi Arabia and vow retaliation.
- The UN has urged diplomacy and warned the exchange could unravel the 2022 ceasefire, with the strikes disrupting civil flights, aid operations, and increasing risks to civilians and humanitarian workers.