The Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones targeting Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport. This action followed airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport that the Houthis attributed to Saudi Arabia. Although no casualties were reported, this move signals a notable escalation not seen since previous large-scale attacks by a Saudi-led coalition.
Houthi military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, delivered a video statement on Telegram, advising airlines to avoid Saudi airspace. He emphasized the urgency of lifting the blockade on Sanaa International Airport. Meanwhile, Yemen’s internationally recognized government explained that the strikes aimed to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.
The Houthis promised to retaliate, marking the first significant conflict surge with Saudi Arabia after a period of calm. In a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting, officials expressed apprehension about further escalation. Khaled Khiari, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for political affairs, urged all parties to partake in negotiations facilitated by the U.N.
A Saudi-led coalition has fought against the Houthis since 2014, following the Houthis’ takeover of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen. Brig. Gen. Saree accused Saudi Arabia of ending the ‘de-escalation’ phase by launching recent airstrikes, warning of severe repercussions.
Sanaa’s airport was targeted to halt humanitarian flights. This comes amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over their diverging positions on the Yemen conflict. The UAE had pulled back its involvement in Yemen earlier this year.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki confirmed the interception of ballistic missiles heading towards the southern region. Earlier accusations of Saudi airspace violations intensified the conflict, with Houthis claiming that Saudi planes impeded an Iranian plane carrying a delegation to Tehran for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral.
Yemen’s defense minister, Gen. Taher al-Aqili, stated on X that the runway strike aimed to obstruct the Iranian aircraft. Amid heightened tensions, airports across Yemen have been closed by government orders, while the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah broadcaster aired footage of a missile hitting Sanaa airport’s runway.
Rashad al-Alimi, leader of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, mentioned a request from Iran for a Mahan Air flight, which the council denied, citing aviation regulation violations. Hans Grundberg, the U.N.’s special envoy for Yemen, stressed the need for dialogue among the involved parties to maintain the relative peace experienced since 2022.
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