Houthi Rebels Threaten Saudi Arabia Over Airspace Violations, Vow Attacks on Land and Sea

The Houthi rebels in Yemen accused Saudi Arabia on Friday evening of violating their airspace and threatened to attack the kingdom if what they called "aggression" continues. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group confronted Saudi warplanes attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport. Saree warned that any further violations would be met with a comprehensive response targeting Saudi airports and vital interests on land and at sea. He also affirmed that flights between Sanaa and Tehran would continue.

Earlier reports from the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah channel stated that the passenger plane carried 200 injured and sick civilians and successfully landed before departing to Tehran with an official delegation expected to attend the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during the first day of Operation "Tiger Roar."

Saudi Arabia has waged a prolonged bombing campaign against the Houthis, who are allied with Iran, since the rebels seized Sanaa in late 2014 and ousted the internationally recognized government. Viewing the Houthis as a direct threat to its security and regional influence, Saudi Arabia formed a coalition in 2015 that launched thousands of airstrikes, imposed a naval and air blockade, and supported Yemeni government forces to halt Houthi advances and restore the government.

Although the coalition prevented the Houthis from controlling all of Yemen, the rebels maintained control over the north and launched missiles and drones at Saudi cities, airports, and oil facilities. The conflict has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and drawn international criticism over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has shifted toward direct talks with the Houthis, especially after restoring relations with Iran in 2023. This has led to relative calm along the border and efforts to promote a political settlement and support the Yemeni government through economic aid, though a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive.