Yemeni Anti-Houthi Factions Criticize Saudi Arabia Over Airport Bombing and Iranian Flights

Anti-Houthi factions in Yemen expressed disappointment with Saudi Arabia's actions following its airstrike on Sanaa International Airport, a Houthi stronghold, on Monday. The strike came after an Iranian plane attempted to land at the airport for the second time in a week and a half. The plane was diverted to another Yemeni airport, but the Houthis have threatened retaliation against Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi-backed Yemeni faction official told Kan News that he was frustrated Saudi Arabia did not prevent the first Iranian plane's landing about ten days earlier. He claimed the plane carried senior Houthi officials attending the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed. The official suggested Saudi Arabia may have consented to the initial landing and only bombed the airport later as a symbolic response to Iranian and Houthi media celebrations that embarrassed Riyadh.

Another official from a UAE-backed Yemeni faction warned that resuming Iranian flights to Houthi-controlled airports would dangerously increase instability. He said the Houthis would exploit this to strengthen their position and bring in Iranian experts. The article also referenced Saudi anger over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and a Houthi opposition figure expressing willingness to cooperate against threats to the Red Sea.

This development highlights ongoing tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemeni factions amid the complex conflict in Yemen. The situation remains volatile with potential for further escalation depending on Iranian flight activity and Saudi responses.