Saudi Arabia is closing several airports due to concerns they could become targets for the Houthi movement amid an escalation, according to security analyst Yair Goldblatt. The closures come as regional tensions between Riyadh and the Iran-backed group continue to rise.
Security analyst Yair Goldblatt reported early Friday that Saudi Arabia has begun closing several airports over fears they could be targeted by the Houthi movement amid an escalating confrontation. The analyst did not specify which airports or the duration of the closures.
The report comes against a backdrop of heightened Saudi-Houthi tensions. The Houthis ended their ceasefire with Riyadh in late July, after which Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping, as The Zioneer reported on July 30. The kingdom has also reportedly repositioned forces for a potential ground offensive in central Yemen, as The Zioneer reported on July 31. A state of alert was declared at all Saudi airports on July 13 amid Houthi attack fears, as previously reported.
The closure of multiple airports marks a further precautionary step by Riyadh as it braces for possible Houthi retaliation.
- DevelopingState of alert declared at all Saudi airports amid Houthi attack fears
- ConfirmedSaudi Arabia enters renewed Houthi attack cycle after Sanaa airport strike claim
- DevelopingHouthis warn airlines against flying over Saudi airspace; Saudi strikes reported in Saada
- StrongHouthi spokesman warns Saudi airports targeted if blockade continues
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