Houthis Warn 'Important' Targets in Saudi Arabia Within Range

Sanaa (ANTARA) - A senior Houthi official has warned that “important targets” in Saudi Arabia are within reach of the group’s forces, while asserting that the Houthis are ready 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 television station Al Mayadeen on Sunday (19/7) that Sanaa International Airport will receive flights “from all countries”.

He also warned that any attempt by Saudi Arabia to block flights to or from the airport would trigger an “all-encompassing response”.

Al-Naami further stated that if the United States were to join Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen, Washington would “face a difficult situation”.

The remarks were made amid renewed tensions surrounding Sanaa airport. On Monday (13/7), the internationally recognised Yemeni government struck the runway at the airport to prevent the landing of an Iranian aircraft carrying a senior Houthi delegation, forcing the plane to divert to Hodeidah.

The Houthis subsequently claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia.

On Friday (17/7), Jordan officially announced an initiative to open regular commercial flights between Amman and Sanaa. The move was welcomed by the Yemeni government but rejected by the Houthis.

Yemen has been mired 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 Yemeni government.