Saudi Arabia Strikes Sanaa Airport Amid Rising Tensions With Houthi Rebels

On Monday, Saudi Arabia reportedly launched airstrikes targeting the international airport in Sanaa, Yemen, which is controlled by Houthi rebels. According to Yemen's official news agency, the strikes focused on the airport's runways. Prior to the attack, Yemen's Ministry of Defense issued an unusual warning urging civilians to evacuate the airport area and avoid approaching it. The ministry stated that armed forces were prepared to respond to any developments to protect national sovereignty and maintain security and stability.

Local reports indicated the airstrikes occurred shortly after an Iranian plane landed at Sanaa airport, despite the Saudi-imposed blockade on the region. This landing is believed to have prompted the Saudi attack. The Houthis condemned the strikes, accusing Saudi Arabia of unjust aggression and threatening retaliation. The Houthi military spokesperson said the attack ended efforts to prevent escalation and warned Saudi Arabia would bear the consequences of its actions.

Tensions between the two sides have escalated over the past week and a half, with the Houthis claiming they fired on Saudi fighter jets attempting to stop the Iranian plane's landing. The Houthis also threatened to target strategic and critical assets inside Saudi Arabia if the attacks continued.