Yemen's Houthis threaten Saudi airports after alleged incident with Iranian plane

Yemen's Houthi rebels have issued a direct threat to target Saudi Arabian airports and critical land and sea infrastructure, escalating tensions in the region. The group, which is backed by Iran, claims their forces confronted Saudi warplanes attempting to block an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport. The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated that flights between Sanaa and Tehran would continue despite potential repercussions.

The incident reportedly occurred as an Iranian plane carrying an official Houthi delegation to the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arrived in Sanaa. The flight also carried over 200 patients. The Houthi group's defiance comes despite Saudi Arabia leading a military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis seized the capital.

Earlier on Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition dismissed the Houthi statements as an attempt to divert attention from the group's alleged "violations" against the Yemeni people. The coalition warned of a firm and unprecedented response to any attempts to target Saudi Arabia or violate Yemeni sovereignty. The Houthis have previously demonstrated their missile and drone capabilities through attacks on Saudi Arabia, including targeting oil facilities and critical infrastructure.