Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa
Sanaa, Fri 9: The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen on Thursday issued what it called a “last warning” to global airlines operating flights in Saudi airspace, declaring the area a “theater for our military operations”.
The group also claimed to have attacked King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh with a ballistic missile, saying the strike disrupted airport operations. Saudi Arabia had not immediately confirmed the latest attack claim.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the missile “struck its target with precision and caused the disruption of airport operations”.
“We reiterate our call and warning ‘for the last time’ to all global airlines regarding the consequences of continuing to operate flights in Saudi airspace, which has become a theater for our military operations,” Saree said.
He added that the airspace over the “sacred areas” of Mecca and Medina was exempt from the warning.
The statement came hours after Saudi Arabia said an attack on the same airport earlier in the week had killed one person.
Amid the escalating threats, the US Mission in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday advised American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.
“Due to the ongoing security situation in Saudi Arabia and Houthi public threats against airports and airspace across Saudi Arabia, the US Mission reminds all US citizens to exercise heightened vigilance,” it said.
The mission noted that the Houthis had engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports, and warned that the military conflict could escalate.
US citizens were advised to check their flight departure status directly with their airlines and the relevant airports.
The US Mission also said American government employees working in Saudi Arabia were prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. Special authorisation was required for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.
American citizens were advised against travelling near the Yemen border.