Houthis Launch Missile Attack on Saudi Airport, Threatening Truce Collapse
Yemen’s Houthis launched a missile and drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport on March 13, according to a statement from the group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Sarei. The attack followed a Saudi air strike on Sana’a International Airport. The incident marks a significant escalation in the truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with tensions threatening to reignite full-scale conflict.
Saudi Air Strike on Sana’a Airport Sparks Retaliation
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting an attack on Sana’a International Airport. According to a statement from Yemen’s defense ministry, the Yemeni government targeted the airport runway as a response to the Houthis allowing Iranian aircraft to enter Yemeni airspace without authorization. However, the Houthis directly blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, citing its military and financial support for the Yemeni government in Aden.
“Saudi must pay the price for this aggression,” Sarei said, signaling the end of the truce. The Houthis, who have controlled Sana’a since 2014, have repeatedly accused Saudi Arabia of backing the Yemeni government, which operates from Aden. The group’s statement also highlighted the presence of a Houthi delegation on an Iranian flight that returned to Yemen after attending a mourning event for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a U.S.-Israel strike in February.
Truce Collapse Risks Regional Escalation
The 2022 truce, brokered by the United Nations, had temporarily halted major hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. However, the latest attacks have pushed the agreement to the brink.
U.S. Involvement and Geopolitical Tensions
Reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump may have supported Saudi Arabia’s actions. According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly discussed military action against the Houthis with Trump during a March 10 phone call, and Trump reportedly accepted the request.
Bab al-Mandeb Strait: A New Frontline?
The Houthis’ influence in northern Yemen has raised fears of a potential blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. If the Houthis control the strait, they could disrupt Saudi Arabia’s alternative export routes.
Saudi Arabia has relied on overland pipelines to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a route impacted by the Iran war. A Houthis-controlled Bab al-Mandeb could block Saudi Arabia’s alternative shipping routes.
FAQ: Understanding the Conflict’s Future
What triggered the latest Houthis-Saudi clash?
The Houthis claimed Saudi Arabia conducted an air strike on Sana’a International Airport. The group retaliated by attacking Abha International Airport, marking a direct escalation.
How long has the Yemen truce lasted?
The truce began in March 2022 under UN mediation. While the truce period expired in October 2022, both sides had avoided full-scale engagement until now.
What role does Iran play in the conflict?
The Houthis are described as pro-Iranian rebels.
Did You Know?
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime route that, if blocked, could cut off Saudi Arabia’s alternative export paths.
Pro Tips: Staying Informed on Yemen
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For deeper insights into the geopolitical ramifications, explore related articles on the impact of regional alliances and the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Read more on Reuters | Yemen’s SABA News | Axios on U.S.-Saudi relations
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