Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi armed group in Yemen, accused Saudi warplanes on 3/7 of "attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport". He stated that Yemeni forces took countermeasures and drove off the fighter jets, but did not specify the actions taken.

According to Al Masirah television, Iran dispatched the civilian aircraft to transport a Houthi delegation to Tehran for the funeral of the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The flight was also intended to bring over 200 Yemeni patients to Iran for treatment.

Houthi gunmen participating in a march on the streets of the capital Sanaa, Yemen in 1/2025. Photo: *AFP*

Saree issued a stern warning, stating: "We warn the enemy not to continue violating our airspace or conducting any aggressive actions against Yemen. Such moves will lead to a full response targeting their airports, along with their key interests on land and at sea".

The Houthi spokesperson declared that flights between Sanaa and Tehran would be maintained despite any threats from adversaries. He also affirmed that the Yemeni armed group is prepared for all scenarios, accusing Saudi Arabia and the US of imposing a blockade on Yemen.

The Saudi-led coalition this morning rejected the Houthi's accusations, calling them an "attempt to distract public opinion" from the situation in Yemen. The coalition warned it would "respond resolutely, using unprecedented force" if Houthi forces tried to attack Saudi territory.

Location of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Graphic: *Guardian*

Yemen has been severely ravaged by a civil war that erupted in 2014, when Houthi forces seized control of the capital Sanaa and overthrew the internationally recognized government. The conflict escalated in 2015 after a Saudi-led coalition of nations intervened to restore government control.

Houthi forces have repeatedly used missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack airports, oil and gas facilities, and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia over years of conflict. The group also possesses numerous air defense missiles, having shot down US UAVs and warplanes belonging to the Saudi-led coalition on several occasions.

Fighting has largely subsided since a United Nations-brokered ceasefire took effect in 2022. Saudi Arabia subsequently pursued direct dialogue with Houthi forces, particularly after resuming diplomatic ties with Iran in 2023. However, a comprehensive peace agreement has not yet been reached between the two sides.

Thanh Danh (*According to Reuters, Ynet, Al Jazeera*)