The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) issued a message to airlines Tuesday afternoon, stating that Saudi airspace is closed, according to the Houthi-affiliated Abu Ali Express. The statement escalates the group's campaign to impose a blockade on Saudi Arabia, following a formal declaration earlier Tuesday.
The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) warned airlines on Tuesday afternoon that Saudi airspace is closed, the latest move in an escalating campaign against the kingdom. The message, reported by the Houthi-affiliated Abu Ali Express, did not specify the duration or scope of the closure but appears to be a direct warning to civil aviation.
The statement follows the Houthi declaration of a naval and air blockade on Saudi Arabia earlier Tuesday, as The Zioneer reported. The group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, had previously warned airlines against flying over Saudi airspace, citing the Saudi-American blockade on Sanaa International Airport. The new message goes further by asserting that the airspace is already closed.
The Houthi campaign against Saudi Arabia has intensified in recent days, with threats to strike Saudi airports and a declared state of alert at all Saudi airports. The group frames its actions as a response to the Saudi-led coalition's blockade on Yemen, which has restricted access to Sanaa airport and other ports. Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed the closure of its airspace.
3 developments
- DevelopingHouthis warn airlines against flying over Saudi airspace; Saudi strikes reported in Saada
- DevelopingState of alert declared at all Saudi airports amid Houthi attack fears
- StrongHouthi spokesman warns Saudi airports targeted if blockade continues
- DevelopingHouthi foreign ministry warns Saudi Arabia: disrupting Sanaa airport will have consequences
Source and signal
- Internal intake