Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions as the conflict in Yemen increasingly spills beyond the country’s borders.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Thursday that the group had launched a ballistic missile at the airport, claiming it struck its target and disrupted airport operations. The Houthis also claimed that the attack killed three people and injured several others, although the casualty figures and details of the reported damage could not be independently verified.
The alleged attack marks the third time this week that the Houthis have claimed to target an airport in the region. The group has also issued a warning to international airlines, urging them to stop operating flights through Saudi airspace.
“We reiterate our call and warning, for the last time, to all international airlines against continuing to operate flights through Saudi airspace,” Saree said.
The latest development comes as fighting intensifies inside Yemen. A Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government announced a major counteroffensive against Houthi forces, which are seeking to expand their control over additional territory.
Yemen Conflict Intensifies
The renewed fighting has also resulted in significant displacement. The United Nations says more than 200,000 people have been displaced within Yemen as the conflict continues to worsen.
Yemeni government forces have claimed recent advances along strategic sections of the Red Sea coast, including areas around the port city of Mocha. Coalition forces spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said 82 Houthi military targets had been destroyed across the provinces of Saada, Marib, Al Jawf and Al Hudaydah.
According to the coalition, the targeted sites included missile launch facilities, command centers and weapons and missile storage depots. However, the claims regarding the military strikes and their impact have not been independently verified.
The reported missile attack on Riyadh highlights the growing regional implications of the renewed Yemen conflict, particularly for Saudi Arabia’s security and international aviation.
Houthis Warn Airlines Over Saudi Airspace
The Houthi warning to international airlines adds another layer of concern for commercial aviation in the region. If attacks or threats continue, airlines operating routes through Saudi airspace could face increased security risks and potential disruptions.
The situation remains fluid as the Yemeni government and its allies pursue military operations against Houthi forces, while the rebels continue to threaten targets beyond Yemen’s borders.