Houthis Claim Drone And Missile Attacks On Saudi Arabia And Aden Airport

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed a series of missile and drone attacks targeting military facilities and airports in Saudi Arabia and Yemen on Wednesday, as fighting intensified amid the wider Iran war. The claims included strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Abha airport and military installations in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis did not provide evidence for the attacks, while Saudi authorities said at least one ballistic missile had been intercepted.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the group launched ballistic missiles and drones at the targets in Saudi Arabia. Flights at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were briefly disrupted, according to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24. Saree also claimed attacks on an air base in Khamis Mushait and military bases in Najran and Asir, areas located close to Yemen’s border.

Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said coalition forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile north of Riyadh. The latest exchanges come as Saudi Arabia and allied Yemeni forces have intensified a ground and air offensive against the Houthis. The campaign is aimed at reversing recent Houthi territorial gains along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important route for international shipping.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Reports Three Injured In Attacks On Jazan, Najran Airports

The fighting has also focused on areas around Dhubab, located about 54 kilometres south of the port city of Mokha. Clashes have additionally been reported in Waziayah district in southwestern Taiz province, which connects Yemen’s highlands with the Red Sea and overlooks routes leading towards the Bab el-Mandeb. The developments have raised concerns over the security of an alternative shipping route at a time when the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure.

In a separate development, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Aden, the southern Yemeni port city that serves as the seat of the internationally recognised government. Security authorities in Aden said two missiles targeted an area near the airport and that there were no casualties. An explosion was reported around 2 a.m., while officials said one missile landed close to the runway shortly before a scheduled passenger flight from Cairo was due to arrive.

Yemen’s national airline Flight 603 landed safely in Aden at about 3:30 a.m., according to FlightAware, despite the attack. Aden police described the targeting of the airport area as a threat to civilians, passengers and airport personnel, while Yemen’s Human Rights Ministry warned of the potential for a humanitarian crisis. The escalation has further increased concerns over attacks on civilian infrastructure and the wider impact of the conflict on regional security and maritime trade.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Rejects ‘Fake News’ Claim Over Alleged Suicide Bomber At Mecca Mosque