Iran-backed Houthis claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Aden airport

Cairo — Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen issued a claim on Wednesday of attacks on military installations and airports in Saudi Arabia, as tensions escalated in the ongoing conflict with Iran, threatening a vital shipping route adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced through social media the rebels had launched ballistic missiles and drones, targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, though no concrete evidence was presented.

Flights to and from the airport faced temporary interruptions, as confirmed by Flightradar24, a tracking service. Saree also alleged the rebels had struck Abha airport, a regular target for Houthi drone and missile assaults, and claimed success in hitting an air base in Khamis Mushait and two military bases in Najran and Asir, all situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border.

Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition combating the Houthis, stated that they neutralized a ballistic missile launched from Yemen north of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen were preparing for a potential confrontation in response to the alleged strike.