The attacks mark a significant escalation in the Yemen conflict, where Saudi-backed government forces recently launched a counteroffensive to retake territory along the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemen's Transport Ministry confirmed that Aden International Airport, the main international gateway for areas outside Houthi control, was targeted with ballistic missiles and drones early on Wednesday. One missile struck near the runway minutes before a Cairo-bound flight was scheduled to land, prompting authorities to divert the aircraft to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Separately, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile north of Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The coalition stated it was tracking the launch platform over the Houthi-controlled city of Sanaa and planned to destroy it. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement, saying the group had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with several drones. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm an attack on the airport.
In a separate incident, the coalition reported intercepting another Houthi ballistic missile aimed at the southwestern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, according to Saudi state television. Saree also said the Houthis had attacked Abha International Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait with ballistic missiles and drones. Saudi officials did not immediately confirm an attack on Abha airport or the airbase.
The attacks come as fighting intensifies on multiple fronts in Yemen. Saudi-backed government forces launched a lightning offensive this week to push Houthi fighters out of areas they seized last month along the Red Sea coast, including around Mocha. The coalition has provided air support for the operation. More than 184,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since the recent fighting began, according to reports.