Yemen’s internationally recognized government reported that Houthi forces conducted strikes against Aden airport, the primary international aviation hub serving non-Houthi-controlled areas of the country. According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the assault involved multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the runway and passenger terminal facilities. One projectile landed near the runway moments before a scheduled arrival of a commercial aircraft from Cairo, prompting authorities to cancel the landing and redirect the flight to Jeddah in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Terminal operations were suspended during the incident, and two aircraft were removed from tarmac positions as a precautionary measure.
The Houthis characterized their operation differently, stating their intention was to strike Saudi military supply deliveries at the Badr camp adjacent to the airport. The Iran-backed group issued statements indicating they also targeted Saudi civilian airports in Riyadh and Abha. In response, Saudi-led coalition forces reported successfully intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile north of Riyadh, with coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki indicating the launch platform would be tracked and targeted.
The escalation reflects broader regional instability linked to international conflicts, with Saudi-backed government forces conducting a counteroffensive to recapture the Red Sea port of Mocha and surrounding territory near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Military analysts noted the strategic significance of controlling highlands and mountain positions east of Mocha, which would provide dominance over shipping routes and regional access. Concentrated fighting occurred in the southwestern province of Taiz as competing forces maneuvered for terrain control.
International developments included Pakistan and Turkey coordinating with Saudi Arabia to activate mutual defense provisions, with discussions of rapid force deployment to the Gulf region to counter continued Houthi operations. The intensified military activity underscores the complex regional security environment involving multiple state and non-state actors.
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