Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned Saudi Arabia of what it described as a “decisive” response to any further military action against the group, as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.
The warning came as the Houthis marked the 2014 takeover of Yemen, which preceded years of conflict involving the movement and a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Houthi Defence Minister General Nasir Al-Atifi and Chief of General Staff General Yusuf Al-Madani reaffirmed their allegiance to the movement’s leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the two officials said they were prepared to implement the Houthi leader’s strategic directives and confront what they described as aggression against Yemen.
They said Houthi military activities were aimed at advancing the objectives of the movement’s revolution, including restoring what they described as Yemen’s sovereignty and resisting foreign influence.
The officials warned of “costly escalatory measures” against Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests and territory if the kingdom carried out further attacks.
They also threatened Saudi-linked vessels, saying such vessels could face attacks and interdiction in response to what the movement described as a blockade imposed on Yemen.
The Houthis have expanded their military presence in parts of Yemen and have maintained control over areas along the Red Sea coast, including territory close to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The latest threats followed reports of renewed attacks involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-linked forces have accused the Houthis of launching missiles and drones towards Saudi territory, including an attack that reportedly caused a fire near Riyadh’s international airport.
Saudi Arabia subsequently carried out airstrikes against targets in Yemen, with reports identifying Al-Jawf, Marib and Taiz among the areas targeted.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of conducting hundreds of airstrikes in Yemen since the latest escalation began.
The renewed hostilities reportedly followed a July 13 incident involving an attack near Sanaa airport that prevented an Iranian aircraft carrying a Houthi delegation from landing.
The latest developments have further heightened tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with concerns over the potential impact on regional security and maritime traffic around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
