Houthis Issue ‘Last Warning’ Over Saudi Airspace
Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and issued what it described as a “last warning” to international airlines to avoid Saudi airspace as fighting with Saudi-backed forces intensifies.
Houthis Claim Missile Strike on Riyadh Airport
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport and claimed the projectile struck its target, disrupting air traffic.
Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the latest Houthi claim. The attack follows earlier strikes on Saudi airports, including Riyadh and Abha, where casualties were reported during the recent escalation.
The Houthis have increasingly targeted airports, military installations and infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.
Houthis Warn Airlines Against Saudi Airspace
The group told international carriers that Saudi airspace had become an active theatre for its military operations and warned airlines against continuing flights through the kingdom.
The Houthis said airspace over Mecca and Medina would remain excluded from the warning.
The threat comes amid growing concern over civilian aviation as missile and drone attacks spread across Saudi Arabia and Yemen. European aviation authorities have already urged airlines to exercise heightened caution over Saudi airspace.
Saudi-Houthi Conflict Escalates Across Region
The latest attacks come as Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensify operations against Houthi positions around the Red Sea coast and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi-led forces have responded with extensive airstrikes against Houthi military sites.
The renewed fighting has also affected airports in Abha, Jazan, Najran and Aden, increasing risks to civilian aviation and regional transport links as the Yemen conflict enters another major escalation.
