New Delhi: Tensions between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia are escalating rather than subsiding. Attempts to establish peace between the two sides have yielded no results. On Friday, the Houthi rebels resumed their attacks on Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi and Yemeni officials, the Houthis launched a drone attack directed toward Medina, one of Saudi Arabia’s holiest cities. Additionally, they targeted the presidential palace complex and the airport in the southern Yemeni city of Aden using ballistic missiles.
In essence, the Houthi rebels are now targeting both Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-backed government in Yemen. Saudi Arabia responded decisively by destroying the drone aimed at Medina. Medina is home to the mosque of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam; it is considered one of the most sacred sites in the Islamic faith, drawing devotees from across the globe who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Houthis continue to launch missiles.
According to a police official, the Houthi rebels targeted the presidential palace in Aden with two separate missile strikes. This assault has further intensified the already simmering tensions in Yemen. A spokesperson for the Yemeni government confirmed that on Friday, the Houthis launched ballistic missile attacks on Aden Airport and the Al-Ma’ashiq presidential palace complex. It remains unclear whether the missiles struck their intended targets.
No information has been provided regarding casualties or damage resulting from the Houthi attacks. However, two eyewitnesses reported seeing ambulances entering the presidential palace complex, which houses several buildings. Residents also reported hearing two explosions in the city shortly before, an event that sparked widespread panic. The southern port city of Aden serves as the primary base for Yemen’s internationally recognised government. In 2014, the Houthis ousted this government from the capital, Sanaa.
Houthis targeting airports and buildings
Houthi rebels are continuously carrying out attacks, targeting airports, buildings, and oil storage facilities in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ objective is to inflict damage on Saudi Arabia’s economic assets. Before the attacks on Friday, the Houthis had also attacked Aden Airport on Wednesday. Before that strike, the group had issued a warning for people to evacuate the area.
This airport is considered a vital gateway for humanitarian aid operations in southern Yemen. The Grand Mosque and the Kaaba are located in Mecca, while the ‘Prophet’s Mosque’ (Masjid al-Nabawi) is situated in Medina. Both cities hold immense religious significance for Muslims, attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors.
Saudi Arabia has previously accused the Houthis of attempting to carry out attacks in the vicinity of Mecca and Medina. In September, the Saudi-led coalition claimed that it had intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca. The drone was attempting to enter the restricted airspace over Mecca. The coalition described this as the second attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca.
