Houthis Strike Saudi Airports Amid Yemen Conflict Escalation

Yemen's Houthis launched attacks on Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing people and injuring others as fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensified after a fragile ceasefire collapsed. Al Jazeera reported that one attack on Sunday killed one person and injured nearly a dozen others, following a strike the previous day that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. The attacks caused major disruptions to Saudi civil aviation.

Saudi authorities said Riyadh's airport was struck four times in five days, while attacks also targeted airports in Dammam, Abha, Jazan and Najran. European airlines suspended or reduced services to Riyadh amid the security situation.

Houthi-run media described the attacks as a response to Saudi actions in Yemen and reported that strikes hit areas near Sanaa. Yemeni government representatives said Houthi-controlled airports were used for movements linked to Iran.

The Houthi-run media outlet described the motivation as "guided by reciprocity" in statements about the attacks, according to reports on the group's position. Houthi analyst Hisham al-Omeisy said the group may continue targeting high-profile sites because of the reaction such attacks generate.

"They have escalated massively, they’ve crossed that line… they have their own frameworks, their own calculations and stopping at attacking a civilian airport is not one of those calculations," said Hisham al-Omeisy, a conflict analyst and adviser at the European Institute of Peace. Al-Omeisy also described the group's broader approach toward its objectives.

"They are a maximalist group and they’re there to do whatever they need to do to get to what they want," said Hisham al-Omeisy, referring to possible demands for changes from Saudi Arabia. He added that the group was seeking greater concessions from Riyadh as part of its strategy. "more concessions from the Saudis" said Hisham al-Omeisy, a conflict analyst and adviser at the European Institute of Peace.

The analyst's comments came as Saudi Arabia faced pressure on aviation and major economic events. The World Petroleum Congress and Future Investment Initiative were scheduled to continue despite the attacks.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom's response to the disruption would remain firm. "equally serious" said Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Energy Minister. Houthi-run media reported attacks on Sanaa and referred to them as "Saudi" air strikes, while Yemeni government forces said they targeted facilities used for Houthi operations.

"Saudi" said Houthi-run media, referring to the reported air strikes in Yemen.

The group said its attacks followed Saudi military actions and warned of further escalation. "Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing," said Houthi officials in statements carried by al-Masirah television.

Security analysts said Saudi air defenses can intercept some threats but cannot fully protect the large territory from repeated missile and drone attacks. Farea al-Muslimi, a Yemen and Gulf specialist at Chatham House, said the Houthis had strengthened their position in the conflict.

"They have really upped their game and believe they can get something now which will reposition them within the region. They are very confident at the moment and feeling empowered …. But though they think they can control this [escalation], that may well be an illusion," said Farea al-Muslimi, a Yemen and Gulf specialist at Chatham House.

CNN reported that Saudi Arabia's wider strategy has been affected as attacks threaten investment, tourism and major events promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "They just needed the conflict to stay (as) far away from them as possible without the Houthis disrupting their transformation plans," said Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Ratney said the conflict had moved closer to Saudi Arabia despite years of efforts to contain it.

"Now they find themselves in the middle of it," said Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Saudi journalist Dawood Al-Shirian previously described Saudi Arabia's regional role using the phrase "head and body" in comments cited by CNN. "head and body" said Dawood Al-Shirian, a Saudi journalist.

His comments were made in the context of concerns about regional stability.

"If (Saudi Arabia) stumbles, the entire system is disrupted and the Gulf scatters," said Dawood Al-Shirian, a Saudi journalist. A southern Yemeni official cited by CNN said the withdrawal of Emirati support created challenges for forces opposing the Houthis.

"There wasn’t a proper transition when the Emiratis left," said a southern Yemeni official. The official said command structures changed after the departure of Emirati forces.

"It was frightening how different things became. The Emiratis’ command and control was very efficient, and the Saudis did not replace this efficiency," said a southern Yemeni official. Michael Ratney said Saudi Arabia had been forced to respond after attacks reached its territory. "The Saudis had to respond after being attacked by an enemy force on their territory… so there was always going to be a response," said Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia.