Houthi-Saudi clashes intensify near Bab Al-Mandeb as airports targeted
Clashes between Ansar Allah (the Houthis) and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have intensified along Yemen’s western coast, with government troops pushing toward the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb Strait as the group launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Aden International Airport and sites inside Saudi Arabia.
The battle for control of the Bab Al-Mandeb coastline represents a critical push to secure one of the world’s most vital maritime choke points, where renewed fighting threatens to disrupt international shipping lanes connecting Asia and Europe amid broader regional escalations.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that Ansar Allah fired ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones at Aden Airport, leading to the disruption of air traffic, the diversion of a flight coming from Cairo to Jeddah, and the evacuation of two planes that were on the runway. No immediate reports of deaths or injuries resulting from the attack were received.
Ansar Allah said the attack targeted Saudi military supplies near the airport, while Yemeni authorities stated that targeting the facility led to the disruption of civil aviation traffic.
Ansar Allah also targeted Saudi territory. Reuters reported that the group attempted to target Riyadh with ballistic missiles and drones, and also announced launching attacks on Abha and Khamis Mushait airports and sites in Najran and Asir.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition announced intercepting a ballistic missile fired toward northern Riyadh. Furthermore, Saudi authorities did not confirm widespread damage to the facilities that Ansar Allah claimed to have targeted.
The retaliatory strikes follow an offensive launched by Yemeni government forces, with Saudi air support, to retake positions seized by Ansar Allah in recent weeks.
Government forces announced on Tuesday the recapture of areas near the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, following a rapid advance toward the city of Mocha and the positions overlooking the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Military sources also reported gaining control over sites in the Dhubab area and its airport, and cutting off roads connecting Mocha to the strait.
The Saudi-backed forces are seeking to consolidate their presence on the coast and push Ansar Allas away from the strait, while the group are trying to halt the advance and regain the positions they lost.