Overview
- Yemen’s internationally recognised government said its forces struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport to stop an Iranian Mahan Air flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing, a move that local officials framed as enforcing aviation sovereignty.
- The Iranian plane was reported diverted and later landed at Hodeidah, and Yemeni authorities ordered all airports in the country closed and evacuated areas around Sanaa airport.
- Hours after the runway strikes, the Houthi movement launched missiles and drones toward southern Saudi targets including Abha International Airport, saying the action was retaliation for the Sanaa attack.
- Saudi and coalition spokespeople said air defences intercepted ballistic missiles fired from Yemen, and no major casualties have been publicly confirmed so far.
- The United Nations pressed for de-escalation while the ICRC confirmed its staff and aircraft were safe; the flare-up risks disrupting humanitarian flights, Red Sea shipping and the fragile pause that has held since the 2022 ceasefire.