Yemeni Government Forces Bombard Rebel Airport as Civil War Tensions Escalate

(Central News Agency, Sanaa, 13th – comprehensive international report) The internationally recognized Yemeni government announced today that it conducted airstrikes on the airport in the capital Sanaa. The rebel group 'Houthi Movement' attributed the attack to Saudi Arabia, an ally of the Yemeni government. This marks the most significant escalation in years between Yemeni authorities and rebel forces.

According to Reuters, Sanaa is currently under the control of the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, while the internationally recognized Yemeni government operates from Aden in southern Yemen. This government is supported by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

AFP reported that the Yemeni government stated it launched the attack to prevent an Iranian flight from landing in Sanaa.

Prior to this, the Yemeni government had attempted to persuade a Houthi delegation returning from attending the funeral of the late supreme leader in Tehran, Iran, to use a Yemeni aircraft for their return journey. However, the Houthis refused.

The Yemeni Ministry of Defense stated: 'The terrorist militia of the Houthi movement, supported by the Iranian regime, has obstructed Yemeni national aircraft from landing in the capital Sanaa, while insisting on allowing an Iranian aircraft to violate Yemeni territory; therefore, the airport runway was attacked.'

Earlier, al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, reported: 'Saudi-led aggressor forces attacked the runway at Sanaa International Airport.'

Tensions between both sides have been rising in recent days. Earlier this month, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of attacking an Iranian plane attempting to land in Sanaa.

At that time, the Houthis threatened that if Saudi Arabia again violated their airspace or attempted an attack, they would strike Saudi airports and critical infrastructure.

This latest conflict has raised concerns that the Houthis may resume attacks on Saudi Arabia after years of relative calm. (Compiled by: Yang Zhao-Yan) 1150713

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