Yemeni strike hits Sanaa airport as Iranian plane lands

An Iranian passenger plane carrying a Houthi delegation landed in Yemen on July 13, 2026, hours after airstrikes targeted the runway at Sanaa International Airport. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, based in Aden, stated its forces conducted the strike to prevent the unauthorized Iranian flight from landing, while Houthi officials accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the attack.

The aircraft, operated by Iran's Mahan Air, was diverted and landed safely at Hodeidah International Airport, which is also under Houthi control. The flight was returning a delegation that had been in Tehran, reportedly attending funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Yemeni defense ministry stated it had attempted to persuade the returning delegation to use the national carrier, Yemenia Airways, but alleged the Houthis insisted on the Iranian aircraft.

In a statement, Yemeni Defense Minister Taher al-Aqili said the government's patience had run out regarding violations of Yemeni airspace. He warned that authorities would confront any hostile aircraft by all available means. Following the strike, the defense ministry issued orders to evacuate the...