Yemeni armed group attacks Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport: AP

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha international airport, the Associated Press reported. The attack on Monday (July 13) is seen as a new tense turn in the long-running conflict with Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis claimed that they carried out the retaliatory attack in response to a Saudi airstrike on Yemen’s capital Sanaa’s international airport on the same day. The Houthis allege that the Saudi attack was aimed at Sanaa’s airport.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or major damage in the attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. However, observers believe that this is the most serious military escalation between the two sides since the Saudi-led coalition launched a major operation in Houthi-controlled territory several years ago. Meanwhile, the Yemeni government has said that the attack on Sanaa’s international airport was aimed at preventing an Iranian plane from landing. However, Saudi Arabia has not officially commented on the matter.
In a video message posted on Telegram, Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sari urged international airlines not to use Saudi airspace. He said the warning should be taken seriously until the blockade of Sanaa International Airport is lifted.
The Houthis announced a counterattack shortly after the attack on Sanaa Airport. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the deteriorating situation. The UN Security Council discussed the issue in an emergency meeting on Monday. At the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled al-Khayari warned that Yemen and the entire Middle East are not in a position to withstand the shock of another conflict.
He called on all parties to return to UN-brokered talks and play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. Analysts fear that the ongoing instability in the Middle East could become more widespread if the recent counterattacks continue.