Houthis Trigger Saudi Strikes After Blocked Iranian Flight, Threatening 2022 Yemen Truce
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 10
Houthis Trigger Saudi Strikes After Blocked Iranian Flight, Threatening 2022 Yemen Truce
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 10
Summary
July 13 marked the latest escalation when a Saudi airstrike hit Sanaa airport’s runway, blocking an Iranian flight carrying senior Houthi officials after the rebels tried to land without coalition approval.
The Houthis rejected a compromise to use a non-Iranian airline and pressed ahead with a Mahan Air flight, turning the dispute into a challenge to Saudi-led control over Yemeni airspace and blockade rules.
That clash quickly widened: the Houthis struck Abha airport, Saudi ships and oil facilities and declared a Red Sea shipping blockade, while the coalition hit Hodeida and Kamaran and reinforced Yemeni forces for a possible ground offensive.
Dozens were killed as the rebels also launched missiles and drones at military camps and attacked Mokha, damaging the government-held port and adding to disruption in the Red Sea corridor.
U.N. envoy Hans Grundberg warned Yemen now faces its highest risk of renewed large-scale conflict since the April 2022 truce, with Omani mediation still failing to secure a compromise.