Houthis Warn 'Important' Targets in Saudi Arabia Within Range

A senior Houthi official has warned that ‘important targets’ in Saudi Arabia are within the group’s reach, while asserting that the Houthis are prepared to ‘pay the highest price’ to end what they describe as a blockade imposed on Yemen. Abdullah Al-Naami, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, told the Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen television station on Sunday that Sanaa International Airport would receive flights ‘from all countries.’ He also warned that any Saudi attempt to obstruct flights to or from the airport would trigger a ‘comprehensive response.’ Al-Naami further stated that if the United States joined Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen, Washington would ‘face a difficult situation.’ The remarks came amid renewed tensions over Sanaa airport. On Monday, the internationally recognised government of Yemen struck the runway at the airport to prevent an Iranian plane carrying a senior Houthi delegation from landing, forcing the aircraft to divert to Hodeidah. The Houthi group subsequently claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks against Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia. On Friday, Jordan formally announced an initiative to open regular commercial flights between Amman and Sanaa, a move welcomed by the Yemeni government but rejected by the Houthis. Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis seized control of Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year in support of the government.