Houthi Forces Launch Ballistic Missiles and Drones at Saudi Arabia Hours After Saudi Airstrike in Yemen

Six hours after Saudi Arabia conducted an airstrike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen's capital, Houthi forces retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones toward southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Defense Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki confirmed that Saudi air defense systems intercepted threats targeting the southern region of the kingdom.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the Saudi attack aimed to continue the "siege" on Yemen and disrupt humanitarian flights. In response, the Houthis targeted Abha International Airport with multiple ballistic missiles and drones, claiming the operation "achieved its objectives."

A source in Sanaa opposed to the Houthis told ynet that the Saudi strike followed an Iranian violation of Yemeni airspace. The source noted that a plane flying from Sanaa to Tehran recently had to divert its landing due to the attack.

These events occur amid ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, and the Iran-backed Houthis. Although a partial truce was reached in 2022, no permanent agreement has been signed, and clashes continue intermittently. Analysts suggest that despite Iran's current conflicts with the United States, it continues to support the Houthis, enabling them to act independently against Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis have also warned airlines against flying through Saudi airspace until the "siege" on Sanaa Airport is lifted.