Houthi rebels escalate attacks on Saudi military facilities
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on military facilities and airports in Saudi Arabia, heightening tensions in the ongoing conflict as it escalates into a critical new phase, reports BritPanorama.
The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, announced via social media that the rebels utilized ballistic missiles and drones targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, though he did not provide any supporting evidence for the claims.
Flight operations at the airport experienced brief disruptions, as reported by Flightradar24, a flight tracking platform. Additionally, Saree indicated that Abha airport was targeted in the attacks, along with a military air base in Khamis Mushait and two other facilities in Najran and Asir, all situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border.
In response, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, confirmed that coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh.
Recently, Saudi Arabia and its allied Yemeni forces have initiated a significant offensive aimed at retaking territories along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast, which the Houthis captured approximately a month ago. These strategic positions provide the Houthis with improved surveillance capabilities over shipping activities as they aim to enforce a blockade on Saudi vessels.
Reports indicate that on Monday, coalition forces successfully recaptured various key areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping chokepoint.
Current clashes are primarily focused around the town of Dhubab, located roughly 30 miles south of the port city of Mokha, according to assessments from both the Houthis and the Yemeni government. Additionally, fighting has been noted in the Waziayah district of southwestern Taiz province, a strategic location that connects Yemen’s mountainous regions to the Red Sea, overlooking routes to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Further escalation occurred early Wednesday when the Houthis targeted Yemen’s port city of Aden, which serves as the base for the internationally recognized government. An Associated Press journalist reported hearing explosions around 2 a.m. local time.
Saree claimed that a ballistic missile strike hit a military camp near Aden airport, while local security authorities indicated that two missiles were fired, with no reported casualties. The airport is in proximity to the seat of government.
The Aden police condemned the missile strike as a direct threat to civilian safety, emphasizing the potential risks to passengers and airport staff.
The Human Rights Ministry warned that the strike represented a significant humanitarian risk, especially as one missile struck near the runway moments before a flight from Cairo was set to land. Flight 603, operated by Yemen’s national airline, successfully landed in Aden at 3:30 a.m.
Following the incident, the ministry reported that the missile strike coincided with other passengers preparing to board a flight to Jeddah.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War noted that the Houthis aim to increase Saudi Arabia’s economic burdens and compel the kingdom to accede to Houthi demands by targeting civilian infrastructure such as airports and oil facilities.
