The Yemeni armed forces said the operation was aimed specifically at blocking the aircraft’s arrival. The Ministry of Defense also called for the evacuation of Sana’a Airport, warning that any aircraft entering Yemeni airspace in violation of the country’s sovereignty would be confronted.

The announcement followed reports of strikes near Sana’a International Airport, where smoke was seen rising from the vicinity of the facility. Yemeni authorities did not immediately provide details on the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties.

Earlier on Monday, Yemeni officials said Houthi forces had taken a Red Cross pilot and the pilot’s assistant hostage at the airport, raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the Houthi-controlled capital.

Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi blamed the Houthis for the latest escalation, saying the group had chosen to proceed with what he described as the unlawful reception of an Iranian aircraft despite warnings from the government.

According to Yemeni officials, the government had sought through multiple channels to persuade both Iran and the Houthis to abandon the planned flight. They said those efforts failed and warned that Tehran would bear legal and moral responsibility for any breach of Yemeni airspace.

The armed forces reiterated that Yemen would defend its sovereignty across its land, sea and air domains regardless of the consequences.

“Yemen has a people and a leadership that will defend it on land, at sea, and in the air, whatever the consequences,” the armed forces said in a statement.

The latest developments underscore growing tensions between Yemen’s internationally recognized government, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and Tehran, with disputes over control of airspace and strategic infrastructure adding to the country’s prolonged conflict.

No immediate response from Iranian authorities or the Houthi movement was included in the material provided.