Yemen’s internationally recognized government struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport on 13 July 2026, forcing Iranian Mahan Air flight IRM1199, an Airbus A340-300 carrying over 200 passengers, to divert to Hodeidah International Airport. The Yemeni Defense Ministry confirmed the operation targeted the runway to prevent the aircraft from landing in Houthi-controlled Sanaa after diplomatic efforts failed to reroute a Houthi delegation returning from Tehran via a Yemenia flight. The Houthis, who control the capital, blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike and declared the end of the 2022 ceasefire, vowing retaliation. Civilian air traffic at Sanaa has been disrupted, and Yemen’s general aviation authority temporarily closed all airports nationwide before reopening them. This marks the biggest escalation in years between Yemen’s recognized government and the Iran-aligned rebels.