Two airports in southern Saudi Arabia were targeted as fighting between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces intensified along Yemen’s western coast, raising fresh concerns over regional security and Red Sea shipping.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said attacks struck King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and Najran International Airport near the Yemeni border. Three people suffered minor injuries and material damage was reported. Authorities said measures were being taken to protect passengers and aviation staff.
The attacks came as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a major offensive against the Houthis around the strategic Bab Al Mandeb Strait. The Saudi-led coalition said about 100 fighter jets were providing air support, while Yemeni forces claimed advances around Dhubab, Bab and Hadeid.
The Houthis have also claimed attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, an Aramco facility and military positions, although some of these claims could not be independently verified.
The escalation threatens to further destabilise Yemen and the vital Red Sea shipping corridor, through which a significant share of global trade passes. The renewed fighting has also prompted Pakistan and Türkiye to pledge military support to Saudi Arabia under their defence pact.
