The Houthi movement announced Monday that the ceasefire with Saudi Arabia is over, accusing Riyadh of starting a war. In a statement, the group added a rhetorical question asking which front is missing for a world war, signaling a new escalation in rhetoric.
The Houthi movement escalated its rhetoric further Monday afternoon, issuing a new statement that declares the ceasefire with Saudi Arabia over and adds a rhetorical question: "Which front is missing for a world war?" The statement, reported at 14:51 Jerusalem, builds on a series of developments that The Zioneer has been tracking since 14:33 Jerusalem.
At 14:33 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the Houthi foreign ministry announced the end of the truce in all arenas, accusing Riyadh of starting a war. Simultaneously, The Zioneer reported that Saudi Arabia conducted extensive airstrikes on Houthi targets in the capital Sanaa, including a second strike on Sanaa International Airport, and that the Houthis had vowed consequences. The reports were based on Houthi statements and unverified local sources.
The escalation follows weeks of heightened rhetoric. As The Zioneer reported on July 4, a Houthi-affiliated channel called for attacks on Mecca and Medina and threatened Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On July 3, a Houthi military spokesman warned that Saudi airports would be targeted if the blockade continued. Unverified reports of clashes in southern Yemen were reported on June 27. The Houthis have also claimed missile strikes on Israel and a Saudi airbase, as The Zioneer reported on June 8.
It remains unclear if the Houthis' world war rhetoric reflects a shift in operational planning or is primarily propaganda. There has been no independent confirmation of a new military escalation on the ground, and Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to Monday's statement. The situation remains fluid.
8 developments
- DevelopingHouthi foreign ministry warns Saudi Arabia: disrupting Sanaa airport will have consequences
- DevelopingYemen's Saudi-backed legitimate government forces prepare to resume fighting Houthis
- StrongLebanese Health Ministry: 4,301 killed, 12,199 wounded since March 2
- StrongSaudi Arabia says Houthi ballistic missile lands in open area near Yemen border
Source and signal
- Internal intake