Sanaa, Yemen – The Houthi group threatened to target Saudi airports and vital interests on land and sea if what it called “violations of Yemeni airspace” were repeated or any attacks were carried out against the country.
The threat came in the wake of an incident that the group said occurred
when an Iranian civilian aircraft attempted to land at Sanaa International Airport.
Accusations that Saudi aircraft entered Yemeni airspace
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that a formation of Saudi warplanes entered Yemeni airspace early Friday morning.
This was an attempt to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft carrying over 200 passengers,
including stranded individuals, the wounded, and the sick, from landing at Sana’a International Airport.
He added that the group responded to the incident by launching surface-to-air missiles.
He indicated that this, according to his account, led to the withdrawal of the Saudi aircraft and the failure of the mission.
Threat of a full-scale response
The Houthi group affirmed that any new attempt to violate Yemeni airspace or target the country would be met with a “comprehensive response.”
This would include targeting Saudi airports and vital land and sea installations and interests.
They also stressed that they would not accept the continuation of
what they described as the “blockade” imposed on Yemen.
They asserted that they would take all measures they deemed appropriate to end it.
They called on their supporters to maintain the general mobilization and raise their level of combat readiness.
Confirmation of the continuation of flights to Sana’a
The Houthi group announced its commitment to maintaining flights
between Sana’a and Tehran, stating they would continue despite any repercussions.
It praised what it described as Iran’s role in facilitating flights to transport patients, stranded individuals, and official delegations.
This escalation comes amid ongoing tensions regarding air traffic to Sana’a airport.
It also occurs against a backdrop of mutual accusations between the Houthi group
and the Saudi-led coalition concerning restrictions imposed on air navigation.
No official comment has yet been issued by the Saudi side regarding the group’s statement.
