Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Aden, launching ballistic missiles at key infrastructure in both countries. In a Facebook post, the Yemeni government’s Transport Ministry condemned the Houthis’ targeting of Aden International Airport with two missiles, calling it the “fourth such attack this month.” The attacks, which also hit the coastguard headquarters and a second building, posed a threat to civil aviation and had humanitarian and economic consequences for citizens relying on the airport. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on the al-Nasr camp and Aden’s naval military base. Meanwhile, Yemen’s army reported that a Houthi missile malfunctioned and killed three people in Sanaa, highlighting a pattern of missile failures by the Iran-backed group. Saudi Arabia’s civil defense warned of “the fall of shrapnel” after intercepting two missiles aimed at Mecca and Medina, though the Houthis denied targeting the holy cities, claiming their targets were three Saudi airports, oil infrastructure, and an airbase. Tensions have escalated as fighting continues in Yemen, with government forces reporting over 700 targeting operations in 24 hours, neutralizing 300 Houthi fighters. The Houthis have persistently targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and airports since the 2022 ceasefire collapsed, and the conflict remains a flashpoint in the region.
The attacks underscore the ongoing violence between the Houthis and the internationally recognized Yemeni government, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. Meanwhile, Yemeni authorities have not independently verified the figures provided by their military spokesman.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and disruption to critical infrastructure, with both sides continuing to claim responsibility for attacks. The Houthis’ persistent targeting of Saudi Arabia’s energy and transportation sectors has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. The Yemeni government has also intensified its military operations, with reports of heavy fighting in Taiz.
The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian and economic consequences, with both countries suffering from the impact of the attacks.