Escalation of Conflict in Yemen
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching missiles at Abha airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Monday. This action was taken in retaliation for airstrikes that targeted Sanaa's airport, which the Houthis attribute to Saudi forces. The Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, reported that their air defenses managed to intercept the missiles without any casualties.
Accusations and Responses
The Houthis, who are supported by Iran and control northwestern Yemen, accused Saudi Arabia of 'blatant aggression' after the airstrikes hit Sanaa's airport runway. Yemen's government, which operates from the southern port city of Aden, claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it was intended to prevent the landing of an Iranian aircraft. The event marks a significant escalation in the generally quiet conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia since an informal truce began four years ago.
Background of the Conflict
The civil war in Yemen started in 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, ousting the government. The conflict intensified in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore government rule. The ongoing war has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and has sparked one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with more than 22 million people needing aid, according to the United Nations.
Details of the Airstrikes
Footage on social media depicted smoke billowing over Sanaa following the strikes on the city's international airport. Al-Masirah TV, run by the Houthis, reported that the airport's 'departure and landing runways' were hit. The Yemeni government explained that the strikes were a response to a dispute over the aircraft used by a Houthi delegation returning from Iran after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Yemeni defense ministry stated, "The terrorist Houthi militias, backed by the Iranian regime, prevented Yemeni national aircraft from landing at the airport in the capital, Sanaa, while insisting on allowing an Iranian plane to violate Yemeni territory; consequently, the airport runway was targeted."
The Iranian plane was subsequently redirected to Hudaydah, a city on the Red Sea, approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Sanaa.
International Reactions
Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, accused Saudi Arabia of initiating the strikes on Sanaa, which he claimed ended the 'de-escalation phase' of their conflict. He warned that these actions would not go unanswered and advised airlines against using Saudi airspace until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted.
Saudi authorities did not comment on the strikes until Saree announced that the Houthis had launched ballistic missiles and drones at Abha International Airport in retaliation. The Saudi-led coalition later confirmed that their air defenses had countered the missile threats.
At an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari expressed concerns over the escalation. He urged all parties to engage in negotiations under UN auspices to avoid further conflict. The UK's representative at the UN condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, labeling them as reckless and a threat to regional security. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attack on Sanaa's airport, calling it a 'clear violation of international law.'
Source: Original Article
