The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have claimed that Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes on the international airport in Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
On July 13, Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthis, stated via Telegram, "Saudi Arabia has bombed Sanaa airport," adding that "the phase of de-escalation has ended."
Saree warned, "This act of aggression will not go unpunished, and we will retaliate." Reports indicate that the airstrikes targeted the runway and taxiways at Sanaa airport, prompting evacuation orders in the surrounding areas.
In contrast, the Yemeni government, which opposes the Houthis, denied the claims of Saudi involvement, asserting that the airstrikes were conducted by their forces. They explained that the strikes aimed to prevent Iranian aircraft from landing in support of the Houthis.
The Yemeni Ministry of Defense stated, "The Houthi terrorist group, supported by the Iranian regime, attempted to allow Iranian aircraft to land while blocking Yemeni national flights at Sanaa airport. Consequently, we targeted the airport's runway."
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for several years, with a Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who control the north.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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