Yemen Issues New Warning to Airlines Over Saudi Airspace
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Yemeni armed forces have issued a stringent warning to all airlines through their war media. The directive prohibits any flights within Saudi Arabian airspace, emphasizing that international carriers must “take these warnings seriously until the blockade on Sana’a International Airport is lifted.” This move signifies Sana’a’s implementation of an “airport for airport and blockade for blockade” policy.
In a statement, Sana’a reaffirmed its commitment to breaking the blockade on Yemen and threatened to expand its attacks to Saudi airports if the conflict escalates. The statement declared that the prolonged closure of Sana’a airport constitutes a “humanitarian crime” affecting millions of civilians.
This warning follows an announcement by Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces, detailing an operation that targeted Abha International Airport deep within Saudi territory using ballistic missiles and drones. Saree asserted that the operation successfully achieved all its objectives and serves as an initial response to the aggression against Sana’a International Airport. He further stated that the response would be broadened if the blockade on Yemeni airports continues.
Last Monday, Saudi coalition warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes targeting Sana’a International Airport, rendering its runways inoperable. This action was reportedly aimed at preventing the landing of an Iranian Mahan Air passenger plane carrying a delegation returning from Iran after attending the funeral of the late Iranian leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. International observers interpret this attack as an effort to thwart the perceived failure of the Saudi-American blockade on Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition has imposed a complete flight ban in Yemeni airspace since August 9, 2016, leading to the full closure of Sana’a Airport for commercial flights. This airport is considered the primary lifeline for the country, serving approximately 20 million people.
