Yemen’s internationally recognized government reported that Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles and drones at Aden International Airport, which is under its control. The Ministry of Transport stated that one of the missiles struck near the runway just minutes before a flight from Cairo was scheduled to land. As a precaution, the flight was diverted to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to ensure passenger safety. The ministry also indicated that the airport terminal was evacuated and two planes were moved from the tarmac during the incident.
The Houthis claimed their attack was aimed at Saudi military supplies at the Badr camp near the airport. In a separate incident, the Saudi-led military coalition announced the interception and destruction of another Houthi missile launched north of Riyadh. Major-General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated that they were tracking the launch platform used in the attack and vowed to eliminate it.
The Houthis also claimed to have targeted Saudi international airports in Riyadh and Abha. The recent escalation in fighting in Yemen coincides with heightened regional tensions related to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Saudi-backed government forces have initiated a counteroffensive against the Houthis to regain control of the Red Sea port of Mocha and surrounding areas, with significant fighting occurring in the southwestern province of Taiz.
Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry reported ongoing battles for control over strategic areas in Taiz, emphasizing the importance of these locations for military dominance in the region. Additionally, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to implement deterrence measures under their mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, including the rapid deployment of forces to counter Houthi attacks.