The Houthis (Ansar Allah) launched an attack on Aden International Airport on Wednesday, October 7, 2023, using ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones. This news was announced by the Yemeni Ministry of Transport and indicates an escalation of clashes between this Iran-backed group and the Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia.
Recent Developments in Yemen
In recent days, clashes have concentrated in areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is recognized as a crucial route for energy exports. This strait has gained more importance following trade restrictions due to tensions between the United States and Iran. In this context, Yemeni government forces, along with air support from the Arab coalition, have launched a counter-offensive to reclaim strategic areas near the strait and the city of al-Mokha, which had been captured by the Houthis in September.
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Attacks on Infrastructure and Reactions
The Houthis have repeatedly attacked key infrastructure, including airports, oil refineries, and pipelines in Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, the Arab coalition announced that it had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile in the north of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Additionally, Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, stated that the group had fired several drones at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. However, Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm these attacks.
On Monday, Yemeni government forces announced that they had reached the city of al-Mokha, which is at a crucial intersection with the supply route to the vital battlefield of Taiz, but this claim has not been verified by military experts.
As Yemeni government forces, led by the Giants Brigade, a Sunni Salafi group, attempt to control the Dhubab area and advance into its eastern mountains, these clashes, considered part of the 12-year war in Yemen, have severely impacted the humanitarian situation in the country, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
On Tuesday, a Houthi missile landed near the runway of Aden International Airport, causing a diversion of a flight from Cairo to Jeddah, and two planes on the runway were moved to a safer location due to concerns about potential attacks.
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