Houthi ‘chased away Saudi Arabian fighters’, threatening to attack enemy airports

Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Houthi armed group in Yemen, on July 3 accused Saudi Arabian fighters of “trying to prevent Iranian civil aircraft from landing at Sanaa international airport”. He affirmed that Yemeni forces have taken countermeasures and chased away this group of fighters, but did not specify specific actions.

According to the television station Al Masiraha civilian plane was dispatched by Iran to pick up the Houthi delegation to Tehran to attend the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as more than 200 Yemeni patients brought to Iran for treatment.

“We warn the enemy not to continue to violate airspace or carry out any aggressive actions against Yemen. Such a move will lead to a comprehensive response targeting the airports, along with their vital interests on land and at sea,” Mr. Saree said.

The Houthi spokesman announced that flights between Sanaa and Tehran will be maintained despite all threats from opponents. He also affirmed that the Yemeni armed group is prepared for every scenario, accusing Saudi Arabia and the US of imposing a blockade on Yemen.

The coalition led by Saudi Arabia this morning rejected the Houthi accusations, saying this was just an “attempt to distract public opinion” from the Yemen situation. The coalition warned that it would “respond resolutely, using unprecedented force” if the Houthis tried to attack Saudi Arabia’s territory.

Yemen has been devastated by a civil war that broke out in 2014, when Houthi forces took control of the capital Sanaa and overthrew the internationally recognized government. The conflict escalated in 2015, after a coalition of countries led by Saudi Arabia intervened to restore government control.

Houthis have also repeatedly used missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Saudi Arabia’s airports, oil and gas facilities and key infrastructure during many years of conflict. This force also possesses many anti-aircraft missiles and has many times shot down US UAVs and fighter jets of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

Fighting has largely subsided since a UN-brokered ceasefire took effect in 2022. Saudi Arabia then promoted direct dialogue with the Houthis, especially after resuming diplomatic relations with Iran in 2023, but so far the two sides have not reached a comprehensive peace agreement.