A United Nations aircraft en route from Jordan to Sana'a was compelled to alter its course and return to sea before proceeding to Aden on Wednesday, sparking questions regarding the circumstances of its denied landing in Sana'a and the authority that intervened.
Initial information, disseminated by activist Abdulqader Al-Kharrraz on Facebook, indicated that the aircraft changed its flight path after entering Yemeni airspace and heading towards Sana'a. It reportedly turned back towards the sea near the Al-Khubah area, north of Al-Salif, subsequently charting a course for Aden.
This incident raises concerns about whether the diversion was a result of actions or threats related to the security and military situation in Sana'a's airspace, and if military aircraft or air surveillance systems monitored the UN plane's movements. These details remain unverified by independent sources.
The event occurs amidst heightened security and military measures around Sana'a Airport, which is under Houthi control. This has coincided with air and humanitarian activities that have recently generated debate regarding the nature of individuals and materials entering Houthi-controlled areas under the guise of humanitarian and medical flights.
Local reports in recent days had suggested the arrival of two aircraft at Sana'a Airport, purportedly belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, before their departure with injured passengers onboard. Independent confirmation regarding the identity of those transported or the nature of their injuries has not been provided. However, Yemeni sources have suggested that the injured included Houthi leaders and experts from Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Local sources have also circulated claims about Iranian and Lebanese experts and equipment aboard one of the aircraft, alongside reports of transporting injured Houthi leaders. These assertions, however, have not been independently verified, nor have official confirmations been issued by the involved organizations.
Air traffic to Sana'a is particularly sensitive due to past incidents involving the airport in suspicious flights, which have drawn objections concerning the nature of passengers and the beneficiaries of such operations.
