Houthis Accuse Saudi Arabia After Airstrikes Near Sanaa International Airport

Residents of Sanaa reported today (Monday) a series of airstrikes near the city's international airport, which is located in an area controlled by the Houthis.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Ministry of Defense urged the public to evacuate the area surrounding Sanaa International Airport and warned civilians not to approach the site. In a statement, the ministry said that "the armed forces are prepared to respond to any developments on the ground and to take appropriate measures in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations in order to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain the country's security and stability."

Houthis Blame Saudi Arabia and Threaten Retaliation

Following the incident, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree blamed Saudi Arabia for the strikes, declaring that the attack marked the end of efforts to prevent further escalation.

"In an unjust and blatant act of aggression, the Saudi enemy targeted Sanaa International Airport with several airstrikes, bringing an end to efforts aimed at preventing escalation," he said. "It must bear the consequences of its aggression. We emphasize that this attack will not go unanswered."

The Houthi Foreign Ministry also issued a strongly worded statement, claiming that "the Saudi regime has declared war and must bear full responsibility for it." The statement further alleged that "over recent years, the Saudi regime has intensified the blockade and waged a comprehensive economic war in an attempt to subjugate the Yemeni people in the service of the Zionists" (quoted as originally stated).