Yemen-Saudi Conflict: A new front has opened in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran in the Middle East. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have alleged that Saudi Arabia bombed Sana’a Airport. In retaliation, the Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport. The opening of this new theater of conflict has raised fears that the war could spread across the entire region.
Why did the attacks begin?
Several explosions occurred at Yemen’s Sana’a Airport on Monday. Iran-backed Houthi rebels claim that Saudi Arabia carried out an airstrike. Al-Masirah TV, the Houthi-run satellite news channel, broadcast footage of the attacks and explosions at the airport. However, Yemen’s internationally recognized government stated that the attacks were carried out to prevent an Iranian plane from landing. Saudi Arabia has issued no statement regarding the airstrike, nor has it admitted to attacking Sana’a Airport.
‘Attack to stop Houthi delegation’s plane’
General Tahir al-Aqili, Defense Minister of Yemen’s recognized government, stated that the airport runway was attacked to intercept a plane carrying a Houthi delegation that was returning after attending the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, the Houthis claim the plane changed course and landed at Hodeidah Airport instead. There were no immediate reports of damage to the Sana’a airport facility following the attack. The Houthi rebels have vowed to deliver a strong response to these attacks. It is worth noting that Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was laid to rest on Friday; he had died on February 28 in airstrikes carried out by the US and Israel. Houthis Issue Warning to Airlines
Regarding these attacks, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated: “In response to this criminal aggression by Saudi Arabia, the Yemeni Armed Forces conducted a military operation targeting Abha International Airport using multiple ballistic missiles and UAVs. By the grace of Allah, the operation successfully achieved its objectives. The Saudi enemy bears full responsibility for this brutal aggression and its grave consequences, stemming from its reckless decision to attack Sana’a International Airport. This move only serves the interests of the American-Zionist enemy. In light of this, the Yemeni Armed Forces warn all airlines against flying through Saudi airspace and emphasize that these warnings must be taken seriously until the blockade on Sana’a International Airport is lifted.”
