First Iranian flight arrives in rebel-held capital of Yemen
The first direct flight from Iran to Yemen's capital arrived on Sunday, as the Shiite rebels holding Sanaa formalize ties with the regional Shiite powerhouse.
The flight underscores how the rebels, known as Houthis, are strengthening their grip over state institutions and exercising sovereign power in Sanaa, even as the country's president insists he is still in charge after fleeing to the south.
Yemeni airport, security and transportation officials greeted the Mahan Air flight, an Airbus 310 carrying Iranians including aid workers from the Iranian Red Crescent.
