Saudi Coalition Pledges Strong Action
The coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, has pledged to respond with decisive force against any threats to Saudi Arabia or violations of Yemeni sovereignty. This announcement comes after the Houthi movement issued threats and an Iranian civilian aircraft landed in Sanaa, the capital under Houthi control.
Coalition's Response
In a statement released on Saturday, Major-General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition spokesperson, criticized the Houthi threats as distractions from their activities against the Yemeni population. He accused the group, which is aligned with Iran, of attempting to shift focus from the economic and social issues they have created domestically. "Their claims are a continuation of the hostile behavior demonstrated by the Houthi militia, seeking to undermine regional and international security," al-Maliki stated.
Houthi Threats and Actions
On Friday, Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, warned of a comprehensive response targeting Saudi airports and key interests. He claimed that Houthi forces had used air defense missiles to prevent Saudi warplanes from blocking an Iranian aircraft's landing at Sanaa International Airport. The aircraft reportedly carried over 200 patients and a Houthi delegation to Tehran for the funeral of Iran's late supreme leader. This flight marked the first confirmed landing of an Iranian civilian aircraft in Sanaa in nearly ten years.
Al-Maliki highlighted that the Houthis had exposed Yemeni infrastructure to potential targeting, including critical facilities like ports and power stations. "The coalition will respond decisively to any attempts to target the Kingdom or violate Yemen's sovereignty," he emphasized.
Broader Implications and Condemnations
The internationally recognized Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday, led by President Rashad al-Alimi. The council condemned the Iranian flight as a breach of Yemeni sovereignty, stating it violated international law and UN Security Council resolutions. They urged Tehran to avoid further escalation and called on the UN and regional partners to implement measures against the channels supporting and arming the Houthis.
Since 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has been involved in the Yemen conflict, which began after the Houthis took control of Sanaa and ousted the government. This conflict has resulted in significant displacement and destruction, with the UN labeling it as one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally.
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