Yemen’s Houthi group (Ansar Allah) has warned the United States that it would face a “swift and painful” response if it participates in any military action or intervention against Yemen, while Saudi Arabia has signaled a stern reaction following recent Houthi attacks.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansar Allah’s political bureau, stated that if the US engages in any aggression against Yemen, the Houthis could target not only American interests but also all potential US targets across the region. According to him, such an intervention could escalate the conflict and plunge the region into widespread tension.
Al-Bukhaiti also warned employees working at oil facilities, airports, and other key sites in Saudi Arabia, stating that these facilities have now become “legitimate targets” as the situation moves toward a broader confrontation.
Meanwhile, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stated that the recent attacks were of an unprecedented nature and that Saudi Arabia’s response must match that intensity. He noted that global energy security faces serious challenges and affirmed that the Kingdom is prepared to handle any potential crisis.
Separately, Iran has once again offered to mediate to de-escalate tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, expressing its readiness to facilitate negotiations between the parties to the conflict. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree has claimed that the group targeted Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Dammam’s King Fahd Airport, and Aramco-linked facilities in the Eastern Province using multiple ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.
According to the Houthis, air operations at Riyadh airport were disrupted by the attacks, while Saudi authorities have announced that defensive measures to counter the threat of drone and missile strikes will continue.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector is facing significant difficulties following the Houthi attacks. Several international airlines have temporarily suspended or restricted flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
The US Embassy has also imposed additional restrictions on the use of airports by its government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia, while the US Federal Aviation Administration has directed airlines to exercise special caution when flying through Saudi airspace.
UAE Presidential Advisor Anwar Gargash has urged Gulf nations to further strengthen their joint defense and security systems. He stated that the attacks on Saudi Arabia reflect threats facing the entire Gulf region and necessitate a collective response.
Hostilities have also intensified in Yemen. Houthi fighters have claimed to have seized control of key routes surrounding the southwestern city of Taiz, resulting in restricted ground access to the city. According to military sources, dozens of people on both sides have been killed in clashes over the past 24 hours. The Houthis have taken up new positions around Taiz, while government forces are engaged in counter-operations.
Share this content:
