Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of encouraging Houthis in latest escalation

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of inciting the recent escalation in their conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi foreign ministry's deputy minister for public diplomacy, Dr Rayed Krimly, stated during a virtual press conference that Iran continues to arm, train, and support the Houthi militia in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Krimly expressed concern that Iran has encouraged the Houthis to escalate the conflict at this stage, despite ongoing direct communications with Tehran. The kingdom has asked the Houthi rebels to meet in Oman to discuss a solution, but the Houthis refused. In the latest conflict, the Saudi-led coalition has reported sustained attacks by the Houthis, including a strike on Riyadh's international airport, the deadliest in years.

The coalition spokesperson, Turki al-Maliki, claimed that the Houthis have attempted to attack dozens of Saudi airports, ports, and oil facilities, killing 17 and wounding 333. The coalition also reported that the Houthis have acquired advanced military technology from "regional actors," including ballistic missiles, drones, and explosive-laden fast boats.

The coalition has destroyed 127 weapons storage facilities and launch platforms in Yemen's mountainous areas, urging the Houthis to cease targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Houthi military spokesperson retaliated by warning that Saudi airspace and airports are unsafe, excluding airspace over the holy cities of Makkah and Madina.