Subai, Oct 14:
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out overnight airstrikes in areas under their control along Yemen’s northern border and western coastline. Saudi Arabia had not immediately responded to the allegations. The reported strikes came hours after air raid sirens sounded in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and residents reported hearing explosions.
The rebel-run al-Masirah television channel said two airstrikes hit Kamaran island in the Red Sea, while another struck Qanawis district, northwest of the port city of Hodeida. The channel also reported strikes in Jawf province, which borders Saudi Arabia. The Houthis further claimed to have shot down a Saudi drone over Saada province in northern Yemen. These claims had not been independently confirmed.
The Houthis also said they had fired a ballistic missile towards King Khalid International Airport. In a separate statement, the rebel-controlled Foreign Ministry warned international airlines against operating flights to Saudi airports, except those serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, describing the routes as unsafe.
The developments have raised concerns over the safety of civilian aviation and regional transport links. The latest claims come amid escalating tensions involving the Houthis, Saudi Arabia and wider regional powers, with attacks on infrastructure and transport routes posing risks to regional security.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for an immediate halt to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. He urged diplomacy and a political solution to the wider conflict involving Iran and the United States. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also called for closer security coordination among Gulf countries and stronger protection for maritime routes and energy infrastructure.