Yemen's Houthi movement says it has launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport, describing the attack as retaliation for recent strikes on Sanaa International Airport.
In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the operation had achieved its objectives and warned commercial airlines against using Saudi airspace until what the group describes as the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted.
The Houthis also thanked Iran for supporting humanitarian flights to and from Sanaa, saying those flights would continue despite the escalating tensions.
Saudi authorities said their air defense systems intercepted missiles fired toward the kingdom's southern region, while there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
The latest exchange follows strikes on Sanaa International Airport, which the Houthis blamed on Saudi Arabia, while Yemen's internationally recognized government has said it targeted the airport runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.
The renewed cross-border attacks have raised fears that years of relative de-escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis could unravel, prompting fresh calls from the international community for restraint and a return to diplomacy.
