The Houthi rebel group has targeted multiple Saudi Arabian airports in the latest airstrikes between the two sides, as several Middle Eastern countries flock to the kingdom’s defense against the Yemeni terrorist group.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that its King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport and its Najran International Airport were each hit in attacks on Monday night, though it did not directly name the Houthis as the party responsible. The government agency announced that three people sustained minor injuries and that the attacks also caused material damage at the airports.
Houthi official Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement on Monday evening that the rebel group targeted Saudi airports and multiple other points using “a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” warning “all international airlines using Saudi airspace to cease their flights.”
Saree also claimed on Tuesday that the Houthis used a ballistic missile to attack the Saudi Abha International Airport, though the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has not yet addressed the Abha Airport in its messaging.
“GACA is working in coordination with the relevant authorities to assess the damage, verify the safety of the facilities, and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain the security and safety of operations within the Kingdom’s civil aviation system,” the Saudi agency said in its statement.
The overnight Houthi airstrikes come as nations of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement coincide to send troops to help aid Riyadh in its fight against the Houthis. Pakistan and Turkey agreed to commit to a “rapid deployment” of troops to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.
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“The committee agreed to activate collective deterrence measures within the framework of the Alliance in response to the attacks and all those responsible for them,” Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said in a statement.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between the Saudis, Pakistan, and Turkey was inked in August.