Yemen - flights suspended to Sanaa
Flights were suspended this week to Yemen's capital, Sanaa airport, due to clashes.
According to state media reports, all international flights to Sanaa International Airport were suspended until yesterday - 20 September. This development came in response to ongoing clashes between Houthi gunmen and pro-government forces in Sanna which has been ongoing since 16 September.
According to reports, Houthi fighters targeted various security checkpoints near the airport facility on 18 September, prompting the temporary flight suspensions.
Militants reportedly advanced their position further in the north western outskirts of the city; gunfire was reported at military checkpoints in the Shamlan area, as well as at a state television network building in the Al Jiraf area of the city.
In addition, heavy fighting was reported on Thalatheen Street, on the western edge of the city, in the early hours of 19 September.
RPS is predicting that it is very possible flight suspensions may be extended further, pending a continued deterioration of the security situation.
The recent clashes are signalling an escalation in the current crisis, following the initiation of anti-government protests by Houthi supporters in Sanaa last week.
Despite several attempts to end the crisis through negotiations, the Houthis withdrew from talks on 15 September, alleging foreign interference in the dialogue process. Since then, fighting between its armed forces and pro-government forces, including members of the Islah Party (a Houthi rival), has been reported in numerous areas; at least 42 people have been killed in clashes in different parts of the city since that date.
The fighting in Sanaa is now significant and may well escalate further, as the security risks in the city are already considered extreme and the unrest will serve to further undermine the security environment.
RPS advises that associated road and air travel disruptions should be anticipated to continue for the near-term.
Contact us for more information and travel advice to Yemen and the region at [email protected]
Photo: nationalyemen.com