Houthis Threaten Saudi Oil Infrastructure Amid Rising Tensions
SANAA: The Houthi movement in Yemen issued a stern warning on Thursday, stating they would target Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and other key infrastructures if the conflict between the two sides intensifies. This remark follows recent airstrikes on the rebel-held capital of Sanaa.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group’s leader, declared, “All Saudi oil facilities and vital installations will be our targets if Saudi Arabia engages in full-scale aggression against us.”
This warning comes on the heels of an attack on Sanaa airport by Saudi forces, which prompted the Houthis to retaliate with strikes on an airport in Saudi Arabia. This exchange marks a significant rise in hostilities since the truce between the two sides ended in 2022.
In a televised address, al-Houthi also threatened Riyadh’s airport, indicating that further attacks on Sanaa would result in similar responses. He emphasized, “The equation is airports for airports, ports for ports, and a blockade for a blockade.”
Meanwhile, the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia and based in Aden, claimed that the recent attacks were aimed at preventing an Iranian plane from landing in Sanaa. For over ten years, any aircraft wishing to enter Yemeni airspace has required prior approval from the Saudi-led coalition, which enforces these restrictions at the government’s request.
The Houthis and their Iranian allies have challenged this policy by organizing direct flights from Iran, provoking anger from the Yemeni government and its supporters. In a further development, the Houthis announced on Tuesday that they had shot down a Saudi-operated reconnaissance drone.
