Why the Houthis and Saudi Arabia may come to blows – analysis

The Iranian-backed Houthis appear to be seeking renewed conflict with Saudi Arabia, following claims that Riyadh targeted Sanaa airport in Yemen. This incident, occurring on July 3, is the second in two weeks where the Houthis threatened retaliation if Saudi Arabia prevented flights from Iran, aiming to establish an air bridge to bring in supplies, potentially including weapons. The Houthis claimed to have targeted Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport in response. While a de-escalation and ceasefire had reduced Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent years, the Houthis now seem intent on resuming conflict, possibly emboldened by Saudi Arabia's past distractions and a perceived weakening of other Iranian-backed factions.

"In a flagrant and brazen act of aggression, the criminal Saudi enemy has targeted Sanaa International Airport with a series of airstrikes, thereby ending the de-escalation phase and bearing the consequences of its aggression," the Houthis said.

However, other reports indicate that the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, carried out the strikes to protect Yemen's sovereignty and prevent unauthorized flights, which the government states violate its airspace. The Yemeni government, led by President Rashad al-Alimi, has asserted it will not allow the Houthis to serve Iran's regional interests and has formed a crisis management team to address the situation. The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating tensions.