Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis strike two airports in Saudi Arabia, wounding three

CAIRO — Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen announced new attacks on military targets and airports in neighboring Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, intensifying the escalating conflict and posing a threat to a critical shipping route near the Strait of Hormuz. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, claimed via social media that the rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, though he did not offer any evidence to support their assertion.

Flights to and from the airport were momentarily disrupted, according to Flightradar24, a tracking platform.

Saree also stated that Abha airport, a common target for Houthi strikes involving drones and missiles, was once again targeted. Additionally, the rebels asserted responsibility for hitting an airbase in Khamis Mushait and two military bases - Najran and Asir - all situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia near Yemen's border. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, countered by claiming that they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile near Riyadh. Saudi Arabia and allied Yemeni forces have not officially commented on the matter.