Houthis exempt Mecca, Medina airports from attacks as Riyadh vows revenge
Houthi forces have issued a warning against using Saudi airspace, excluding airports in Mecca and Medina, following a deadly strike on Riyadh's international airport. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed a firm response, labeling the attack a war crime.
Why it matters
The escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure and the involvement of multiple nationalities in casualties marks a dangerous intensification of the regional conflict.
The Houthis on Sunday renewed their warning against the use of Saudi airspace by airlines, companies and travellers with the exception of Mecca and Medina airports.The warning has been issued to all shipping companies, airlines, experts, employees, workers, and travellers, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said on X."They are exposed to targeting and a theater for operations by our forces", Yahya said."With the exception of the airports of Mecca Al-Mukarramah and Medina Al-Munawwarah", he added.The cities of Mecca and Medina are among the holiest sites in Islam and owe immense religious significance to both Sunni and Shia sects.Houthi remarks come a day after they targeted Saudi's Riyadh's international airport, reportedly killing 12 people and wounding over 300 others.Yahya described the targeting of Saudi airports as a tit-for-tat action.According to Saudi Gazette, citing the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one national each…
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