rki.news | Source: Xinhua
SANAA: August 4 (RKI): Yemen’s Houthi group on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting Najran airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia, saying the strike was carried out in response to alleged Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement on social media platform X that the drone targeted a “sensitive” location at the airport and achieved a “precise hit.” Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the claim.
The reported attack comes amid rising tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The group recently announced what it described as a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, accusing Riyadh of imposing restrictions on Houthi-controlled areas.
The Houthis have since claimed several missile and drone attacks on Saudi-linked vessels and energy facilities, while the Saudi-led coalition has carried out airstrikes on what it described as Houthi military targets in Yemen.
The renewed hostilities have increased concerns over security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising fears of wider regional confrontation.
Yemen has remained in conflict since 2014 after the Houthis seized Sanaa and northern areas, leading to Saudi-led military intervention in 2015.