Houthi Militias Establish Direct Air Supply Line from Iran to Sanaa

On Friday, the Houthi militias declared the establishment of an air supply line connecting Iran to Sanaa, escalating tensions and undermining a fragile United Nations ceasefire that has been in place since 2022.

According to the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, an Iranian aircraft transported over 200 individuals to Sanaa International Airport without prior permission or authorization from the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

The militias confirmed the opening of this supply route between the airports of Sanaa and Tehran, justifying it as a measure to "break the siege and alleviate suffering regardless of the consequences and repercussions."

Open-source information indicates that the Iranian plane, operated by Mahan Air, arrived at Sanaa International Airport from Tehran, carrying Houthi leaders and experts on what is reported to be the first flight of its kind in several years.

Following the incursion of the Iranian aircraft into Yemeni airspace and the transfer of experts to Sanaa Airport, several Houthi sites were targeted by airstrikes. Early on Friday, air raids struck sensitive Houthi positions and headquarters in various locations within the Hajjah and Amran governorates, causing explosions, according to private sources.

The Houthi militias have not disclosed details about the airstrikes but claimed to have foiled the attempt. They warned that any retaliation would be met with a "comprehensive response targeting airports and vital interests on land and sea."

This announcement of a direct supply line between Tehran and Sanaa follows increasing international and regional restrictions on traditional smuggling networks. Field indicators suggest that this new route aims to expedite the transfer of advanced military technologies and the direct arrival of experts and engineers, according to observers.