From TIME · Olivia-Anne Cleary · · 2m
Houthis Target Saudi Airports Amid Escalating Conflict
Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi airports after U.S.-Iran war fallout, threatening regional stability.
In brief
Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi airports after U.S.-Iran war fallout, threatening regional stability. Houthis attack Saudi airports to pressure Riyadh on Yemen blockade and legitimacy, risking economic and security consequences. Originally reported by TIME.
Houthis Delay Gulf-Saudi Summit
The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council postponed a joint summit in Saudi Arabia due to Houthi attacks on airports and civilian infrastructure.
“continued attempts by the terrorist Houthi militia to target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its civilian infrastructure”
Houthis Vow Continued Attacks
Houthis vowed to continue attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities after striking Saudi Aramco’s headquarters.
“operations toward Saudi depths will continue in the coming days”
Houthi Military Spokesman Statement
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree described attacks as legitimate targets and a direct response to Saudi strikes in Yemen.
“legitimate targets”
Saudi Intercepts Houthi Missiles
Saudi forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthis toward Riyadh, causing loud blasts in the capital.
“loud blasts”
Escalating Conflict in Yemen
The Houthi-Saudi conflict reignited after weeks of fighting, shattering a four-year informal cease-fire in Yemen’s civil war.
“shattering a four-year informal cease-fire”
Houthis Capture Perim Island
Houthis captured Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint, in September.
“strategic Perim Island that sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait”
Saudi Airports Under Attack
Houthis targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 13 and injuring over 300, followed by another attack killing one person.
“killed 13 people and left over 300 injured”
Aramco Executive Offices Attacked
Houthis attacked Aramco’s executive offices in Dhahran, causing a limited fire with no reported injuries.
“limited fire”
Saudi Strikes on Yemen
Saudi forces launched strikes on an oil depot in Sanaa, Yemen, in response to Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.
“oil depot on the outskirts of Yemen’s capital Sanaa”
Houthis' Strategic Goals
Houthis aim to pressure Saudi Arabia economically and politically by targeting airports and energy infrastructure.
“put severe pressure on the Saudi Arabia economy, airport infrastructure, and security”
Houthis' Historical Context
The Houthi movement emerged in the 1990s as a Zaidi Shi‘ite group fighting Yemen’s government for two decades.
“political and armed group in Yemen that first emerged in the 1990s”
Houthis' Iran Ties
Houthis have strong ties to Iran, receiving weapons, training, and funding since 2009 as part of Iran’s proxy network.
“Iran has started to speed up weapons supplies, training, but also a lot of funding to the Houthis”
Houthis' Motivation for Attacks
Houthis attack airports to force Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade on Yemen and recognize their legitimacy as the government.
“want to have the skies and the ports of the country open for trade”
Saudi Response to Attacks
Saudi Arabia suspended flights to Riyadh by major airlines and warned U.S. citizens of potential travel disruptions.
“suspension of flights to Riyadh”
Houthis' Impact on Saudi Economy
Houthis' attacks threaten Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a safe economic hub.
“Saudi Arabia to be seen as a safe harbor”
The one thing
Houthis attack Saudi airports to pressure Riyadh on Yemen blockade and legitimacy, risking economic and security consequences.
