Houthi Forces Accuse Saudi Airstrikes on Airport, Yemen Claims Houthis Hijacked Plane
Xinhua News Agency, Kuwait City, July 13 (Reporter Yin Zhao) - Sana'a news: According to reports from the Houthi-controlled Masirah TV on the 13th, Saudi Arabia has launched multiple airstrikes on the runway of Sana'a International Airport, which is controlled by the Houthi forces.
It was reported that at the time of the airstrikes, an Iranian passenger plane carrying a Houthi delegation was flying from Tehran, the capital of Iran, to Sana'a. This plane ultimately landed at Hodeidah Airport in northwestern Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthis.
According to reports, the passenger plane had previously carried the Houthi delegation to Iran to attend the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Khamenei. The Yemeni government had proposed that the Houthi delegation should return on a non-Iranian plane under government supervision. The Houthis rejected this and warned Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government not to intercept the flight.
As of now, the Saudi side has not responded.
Additionally, according to a statement made by Yemen's Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani on the 13th, the Houthis have detained a Red Cross plane at Sana'a International Airport, preventing it from taking off, and have taken the pilot and co-pilot hostage.
For a long time, the flight arrangements at Sana'a International Airport have been one of the main points of contention between the Yemeni government and the Houthi forces.
Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport on July 13, targeting the facility controlled by Houthi forces. An Iranian passenger plane carrying Houthi representatives was en route to the airport during the strikes. Houthi forces also seized a Red Cross aircraft at the airport, preventing its departure and taking the crew hostage.
- Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport.
- An Iranian passenger plane carrying Houthi representatives was targeted during the airstrikes.
- Houthi forces seized a Red Cross aircraft at Sana'a International Airport.
- The Houthi delegation was returning from a funeral in Iran.
- The Yemeni government had previously requested the Houthi delegation to return on a non-Iranian aircraft.