The Houthi group, Ansar Allah, has ramped up its rhetoric against Saudi Arabia, threatening to target airports and key infrastructure on land and sea should what they describe as "a violation of Yemeni airspace" or any attack on the country occur again. This comes in response to an incident claimed by the group involving an attempted landing of an Iranian civilian aircraft at Sanaa International Airport.
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that Saudi fighter jets entered Yemeni airspace early Friday, allegedly trying to prevent an Iranian plane carrying over 200 passengers, including patients and those stranded, from landing at Sanaa's airport. He added that the group deployed air-defense missiles, purportedly causing the Saudi aircraft to retreat.
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia and the United States of maintaining a blockade on Yemen and Sanaa airport for years, declaring that they will not tolerate these restrictions any longer and vowing to take "all legitimate measures" to end them.
The Houthis warned that any fresh attempts to target Yemen or disrupt air traffic would be met with a "comprehensive response," including targeting Saudi airports and vital installations. At the same time, they urged their supporters to heighten their alertness and readiness for any military developments.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing air routes between Sanaa and Tehran, asserting these flights aim to transport patients and those stranded, alleviating humanitarian suffering, while lauding Iran's support in this area.
This escalation arises amid ongoing tensions over air navigation to Sanaa airport, with the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition trading blame for restrictions imposed on flights to Yemen.