DID Press: Military tensions in Yemen have escalated following a Saudi airstrike on Sanaa International Airport, with authorities in Sanaa aligned with the Houthi movement (Ansarullah) warning that the attack “will not go unanswered” and could mark the beginning of a new phase in the conflict.
A spokesperson for the Houthi armed forces said the strike had brought the period of de-escalation to an end, adding that Saudi Arabia would bear full responsibility for the consequences.
In a separate statement, the Sanaa-based foreign ministry described the attack as effectively ending the ceasefire and ushering in a new stage of the war. It warned that the group would pursue “the full realization of its rights” and that Riyadh would face “heavy costs” if the current course continued.
The Sanaa administration’s transport ministry also condemned the strike as a “dangerous escalation,” accusing Saudi Arabia of seeking to maintain Yemen’s air and sea blockade. The ministry called on the United Nations and international organizations to help end the blockade and ensure the operation of Yemen’s airports and seaports.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, the highest political body of the Saudi-backed government, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Yemen’s territorial integrity and confronting the Houthis during an emergency meeting—a move observers see as a sign of preparations for possible military developments.
At sea, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported a security incident in waters near Yemen, saying a tanker was approached by six small boats and warning shots were fired. The agency said investigations are ongoing and advised vessels transiting the area to exercise heightened caution.
The latest developments come after months of relatively reduced fighting and have renewed concerns over a broader military escalation that could threaten maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while also complicating diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.