Houthi rebels have warned of a "harsh and painful" response against Saudi Arabia following missile and drone attacks on civilian targets in the kingdom. The threats come amid escalating violence in Yemen, where the Saudi-led coalition continues its military campaign against the rebels. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have increasingly targeted Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and airports, in recent weeks.
The latest attacks, which struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, forced the closure of the facility and disrupted daily life in the capital. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of launching the strikes, while the rebels have denied responsibility and claimed the attacks were carried out by external forces. The situation has intensified after a coalition airstrike on oil facilities west of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which the Houthi-run broadcaster Al Masirah reported.
Former US intelligence official Norman Roule has described the Houthis’ actions as a "terrorist threat" to the international community, warning that their attacks on Saudi Arabia could have broader implications for global security. The attacks have also affected international shipping and the Gulf region, with concerns growing over the stability of the area.
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015 when Saudi Arabia launched a military campaign to restore the government, has drawn in regional and international actors. The war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid. The recent escalation in violence highlights the ongoing instability in the region and the risks of further conflict spilling beyond Yemen’s borders.
