Breaking News: Yemen’s Houthis vow retaliation against Saudi Arabia following airstrikes on Sanaa airport, escalating regional instability.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has condemned Saudi Arabia for alleged airstrikes targeting Sanaa International Airport, threatening a resumption of hostilities and warning of attacks on infrastructure within the Kingdom. The Houthis, designated as terrorists by the US, claim the strikes ended a period of de-escalation and will not go unanswered. Iran’s Press TV has condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty.
The exchange follows the Houthis’ disruption of commercial shipping – launched after the October 7th attacks on Israel – and a fragile 2022 truce with the Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of “blatant aggression” and threatened to target King Khalid Airport in Riyadh. According to reports, the airstrike targeted the runway to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
Saudi geopolitical analyst Salman Al-Ansari described the situation as the Houthis attempting to prove their value to Iran amid ongoing tensions. He asserts the action was taken by Yemen’s legitimate government against unauthorized Iranian flights defying international law. The Houthis have reportedly warned they will close the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, mirroring disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially escalating oil prices to $200 a barrel.
Experts warn that the incident signifies Iran’s intent to normalise direct ties with Houthi-controlled Yemen, challenging existing restrictions. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Mahan Air, the Iranian airline involved, for supplying terrorist groups. The situation highlights the Houthis’ growing prominence within Iran’s regional network, acting as Tehran’s most capable proxy.
The Yemeni government maintains it was reacting to a violation of its airspace, and that the Houthis refused to utilise a sanctioned route for inspection. Further escalation appears likely, with the Houthis signalling a willingness to strike back forcefully.
What happens next remains uncertain. Retaliatory strikes from the Houthis are considered probable.
Sources: Fox News, The Jerusalem Post, Daily Mail.
