Illustrative image.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) attacked an airport in southern Saudi Arabia late on July 13 after holding the kingdom responsible for a series of strikes that hit Sanaa International Airport in the Yemeni capital earlier in the day, preventing an Iranian plane from landing.
In a statement, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said that a number of missiles and drones were launched at Abha International Airport in Asir.
“The Saudi enemy, by its reckless decision to launch the unjust attack on Sana’a International Airport, bears full responsibility for the grave consequences of this brutal aggression, which serves the Zionist-American enemy, and all its repercussions,” the spokesman added.
Saree further warned all airlines against flying through Saudi Arabian airspace, stressing that they should take the warnings seriously until the blockade on Sana’a International Airport is lifted.
Saudi Arabia acknowledged the attack. Operations at Abha International Airport were suspended following reports of blasts. Later, Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki announced the interception of ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis from Yemen.
“Air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile threat launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards the southern region,” al-Maliki said on X.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia didn’t claim responsibility for the strikes on Sanaa International Airport. The defense ministry of the internationally recognized Yemeni government—loyal to the Riyadh-based Presidential Leadership Council—did so.
Still, footage released by the Houthi-run Almasirah TV showed what appeared to be a British-French Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile impacting the runway. Taking into account that the Royal Saudi Air Force operates this type of missile, no doubt is left about the kingdom’s responsibility. It’s worth noting that Saree also confirmed in his statement that Saudi fighter jets were involved in the attack, and said that Houthi air defenses engaged them.
Just ten days earlier, Houthi air defenses also fired at Saudi fighter jets that attempted to intercept a similar flight from Iran. The plane managed to land at Sanaa, marking the first such flight from the Islamic Republic in over a decade. Al-Maliki later threatened the Houthis with “unprecedented force.”
The Houthi retaliatory attack on Abha could lead to further escalation. In fact, war could reignite in all of Yemen as a result.
The escalation came amid rising tribal tensions in Yemen. Several tribes have rallied against the Houthis in recent weeks after a fraudster falsely claiming to be a secret daughter of the late Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, named “Mira,” accused the group of stealing her properties. Saudi Arabia was accused of backing these tribes.
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the yemeni sand apes are throwing their turds again!
heheheh