Military escalation in Yemen: Targeting Sana'a Airport runway and an Iranian plane landing in Hodeidah

The Yemeni Ministry of Defense announced today, Monday, the execution of a strike targeting Sana'a International Airport runway, as a preemptive measure to prevent an Iranian plane from landing in the capital, which is under the control of the Houthi group. The ministry confirmed in an official statement that this move comes within the framework of protecting national sovereignty and preventing any unauthorized aerial violations.

In contrast, the Houthi group announced that the Iranian plane later managed to land at Hodeidah Airport, located on the Red Sea coast in the west of the country. The group indicated that this development represents an effective end to the de-escalation phase that the country witnessed during the past period, holding the government responsible for the repercussions.

The Minister of Transport in the Houthi government clarified that the plane that landed in Hodeidah was transporting a number of wounded and sick Yemenis and those stranded abroad, in addition to what he described as the 'official delegation of the Republic of Yemen'. Media outlets affiliated with the group broadcast scenes documenting the moment the plane arrived at the runway amidst security measures.

For his part, the head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, accused the Houthi group of systematically undermining peace opportunities and rejecting all international initiatives aimed at stabilizing the country. Al-Alimi stressed that the group continues to implement external agendas that harm Yemeni and Arab national security alike.

Al-Alimi directed the Yemeni armed forces to raise combat readiness to its maximum level, calling for full vigilance to confront any emergency. He also demanded that all necessary measures be taken to prevent the recurrence of what he described as Iranian and Houthi violations of Yemeni sovereignty, affirming that the state will not tolerate protecting its airspace.

Despite the warning tone, Al-Alimi indicated that he does not seek to expand the scope of direct military confrontation at the present time, considering that being drawn into escalation is an Iranian goal par excellence. He explained that the government is trying to avoid sliding into a comprehensive war that serves Tehran's regional interests and increases the suffering of the Yemeni people.

In a related context, the General Authority of Civil Aviation issued an urgent circular to close all Yemeni airports to air traffic completely until further notice. This decision comes as a precautionary measure in light of escalating security tensions and fears of targeting vital facilities.

Field assessments indicate that the Yemeni scene is heading towards a new round of armed conflict, as observers believe that the targeting of Sana'a Airport may be followed by a military response from the Houthi group. Expectations are growing for the resumption of missile attacks and drone strikes that had stopped for a relatively long period.

Informed sources reported that the most likely scenario in the coming hours is the return of mutual shelling between the warring parties, which brings back memories of the harsh years of war. Analysts believe that the Houthi group may target vital facilities in response to what it considered a government escalation supported by the coalition.

Sources also suggested that the upcoming wave of escalation may include a return of threats to international navigation and ships in the Red Sea, which may necessitate a broad international response. These developments are considered a major setback for the diplomatic efforts led by regional and international parties to stabilize the truce.

Observers of Yemeni affairs believe that the Houthi group's priority in responding may be directed towards Saudi territory, which officials in the group hinted at after the incident. This possibility opens the door for direct intervention by coalition forces, which could bring the conflict back to square one and end hopes for a political settlement.

The situation in Yemen remains dependent on the coming hours and the ability of international parties to contain the situation before it fully explodes. While the government insists on its right to protect its sovereignty, the Houthis see the targeting of airports as a clear declaration of the return of a comprehensive war that could burn everything in its path.

It was directed not to expand the scope of the confrontation to achieve the goal that Iran seeks, which uses Yemen as a card in its regional conflict.