Iran Plane Arrives in Houthi-Controlled Yemen After Strike on Sanaa Airport

An Iranian aircraft landed Monday, July 13, at Al Hudaydah Airport in western Yemen after Yemeni forces bombed a runway at Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport to prevent the plane from landing there, according to Iranian media. The development came amid rising tensions between Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities and the Houthi movement over the handling of air operations.

Press TV said the aircraft arrived at Al Hudaydah airport on the Red Sea coast after the runway at Sanaa International Airport was targeted earlier in the day. The incident has intensified disputes over control of Yemen’s airports and the movement of aircraft into Houthi-held areas. Is Iran Rebuilding Its Nuclear Facilities? New Satellite Images Raise Fresh Questions.

Yemen Says Sanaa Airport Strike Followed Iranian Flight Decision

Yemen’s Defense Ministry said early Monday that its forces struck the Sanaa airport runway after the Houthis prevented Yemeni flights from landing and allowed the Iranian plane to land “in violation of the Yemeni territory.”

The ministry did not provide further details on the operation or the extent of damage caused to the runway. The strike temporarily affected activity at the airport, which remains under Houthi control. What Donald Trump Said About Iran Talks and Why He Declared the Ceasefire ‘Over’.

Iranian Aircraft Diverts to Al Hudaydah

Following the runway strike, the Iranian aircraft landed at Al Hudaydah Airport, according to Iranian media reports. The airport, located along Yemen’s western coastline, is also controlled by the Houthis and serves as a key facility in areas under their influence.

The movement of Iranian aircraft into Houthi-controlled territory has previously drawn scrutiny from Yemen’s government, which has accused Iran of supporting the Houthi movement. Tehran has rejected allegations of direct military involvement and has maintained political support for the group.

Houthis Warn of Retaliation

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree responded to the strike by warning that the action would face retaliation.

Saree vowed that the strike “will not pass without retaliation and punishment.” He did not immediately provide details on what form the response would take.

Yemen has been divided by conflict since the Houthis seized control of Sanaa in 2014, forcing the internationally recognized government to relocate. The war has created competing authorities controlling different parts of the country, including key infrastructure such as airports and ports.

Sanaa International Airport has been a major point of contention, with flights subject to restrictions and political disputes between the Houthis and Yemen’s government. Al Hudaydah, home to a strategic Red Sea port, has also remained a critical location during the conflict.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 06:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).