The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) declared a no-fly zone over all Saudi airspace Tuesday evening, warning all airlines to avoid flying in Saudi airspace until the Saudi blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted, according to the Houthi-affiliated Abu Saleh outlet.
The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) declared a no-fly zone over all Saudi airspace Tuesday evening, warning airlines to avoid flying over Saudi territory until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted, according to the Houthi-affiliated Abu Saleh outlet.
The declaration follows a series of warnings issued by the Houthis earlier Tuesday. At 10:39, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned airlines against flying over Saudi airspace. At 16:41, the Houthis issued a statement closing Saudi airspace. (The Zioneer, 10:39 and 16:41)
The Houthis have been escalating their campaign against Saudi Arabia in recent days, demanding an end to the Saudi-led blockade on Yemen. The group has previously threatened to strike Saudi airports if the blockade continues. The new no-fly zone declaration, though not internationally recognized, signals the Houthis' readiness to enforce their demands by targeting aircraft.
It remains unclear how Saudi Arabia or international aviation bodies will respond.
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