Iran denies Saudi accusation of involvement in Houthi attacks

Iran has officially denied accusations from Saudi Arabia that it encouraged or directed recent Houthi attacks against the kingdom, which included strikes on oil facilities and an airport. According to the Daily Times, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected claims of involvement, asserting that Yemeni forces operate independently based on their own strategic assessments and national interests.

The Jerusalem Post reports that recent drone and missile attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia have been based on intelligence provided by the Iranian regime. Citing a former Israeli official, the report describes the operational connection between Iran and the Houthis as very strong. While the Soufan Center suggested the strikes help Iran project power, the Jerusalem Post notes that Iranian officials have previously denied involvement with the group.

Recent Houthi activity has included strikes against Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, which killed 17 people and injured over 300, as well as an attack on a presidential palace complex that killed five. In Aden, two Houthi rockets landed within the grounds of Aden International Airport without causing casualties, though local security authorities warned the attacks pose a threat to air traffic.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Jerusalem Post, Daily Times, Ajel English, Winnipeg Free Press — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.