Yemen – Saudi Military Action Against Houthis Raises Fresh Regional Tensions
Yemen –Saudi Arabia has moved closer to another direct confrontation with Yemen’s Houthi movement after carrying out military action that reportedly received prior backing from US President Donald Trump, according to an Axios report citing two American officials.
The report said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed Trump before launching strikes linked to Houthi-controlled areas and sought Washington’s approval. The discussions reportedly took place as Saudi officials became increasingly concerned over recent Houthi activities and an Iranian aircraft travelling to Yemen.
Saudi Concerns Over Iranian Flight
According to the report, the latest tensions emerged after an aircraft operated by Iran’s Mahan Air arrived in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital controlled by the Houthis. The plane was reportedly transporting a Houthi delegation that had travelled to Iran to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Saudi authorities opposed the flight because of concerns that it could potentially be used to transfer military equipment, missile technology or Iranian personnel into Houthi-controlled territory. US officials quoted in the report described Mahan Air as an airline with links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Airport Strike Intensifies Situation
As the aircraft attempted to leave Yemen, Saudi forces reportedly carried out strikes near Sanaa International Airport. The operation prevented the plane from departing through the capital, forcing it to divert and land in the Red Sea port city of Al Hudaydah.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government said the military action was intended to stop an Iranian aircraft from using Yemeni territory. The incident marked a significant rise in tensions that had remained relatively contained despite the formal expiration of the ceasefire established in 2022.
Houthis Launch Retaliatory Attacks
Soon after the strike on Sanaa airport, the Houthis announced missile and drone attacks targeting Abha Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The group described the operation as a direct response to what it called Saudi military aggression.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree also warned commercial airlines against using Saudi airspace. He stated that the warning would remain in effect until restrictions affecting flights to and from Sanaa airport were lifted.
The exchange of attacks has raised concerns that the fragile calm maintained over recent years could come under renewed pressure.
Regional Tensions Continue to Grow
The latest developments come at a time of heightened uncertainty across the Middle East, where relations between the United States and Iran have once again become increasingly strained. Analysts believe that any further escalation involving Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Houthis could have wider implications for regional security.
Although large-scale fighting between Saudi-led coalition forces and the Houthis has eased compared with previous years, the current situation highlights how quickly tensions can return despite diplomatic efforts.
Conflict Remains Unresolved
Saudi Arabia launched its military coalition in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised Yemeni government against Houthi forces. Over the past decade, the conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement and one of the world’s most serious humanitarian emergencies.
Today, the Houthis continue to control Sanaa along with much of northern Yemen, including several densely populated regions. Meanwhile, the internationally recognised government retains authority over large parts of southern Yemen, leaving the country politically and militarily divided with no lasting settlement yet in sight.