The Houthi movement launched ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones at Aden International Airport in southern Yemen, forcing the diversion of a passenger flight from Cairo, according to Yemen’s transport department. The attack on the civilian aviation hub unfolded as fighting intensified across multiple fronts between the Iran-backed group and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government, marking a sharp escalation following a period of relative calm.
Missile and Drone Strikes Hit Aden Airport
Early Wednesday, ballistic missiles and drones struck Aden International Airport, disrupting commercial air traffic. A passenger flight scheduled to land from Cairo had to be diverted to Jidda after a missile detonated near the runway just minutes before touchdown, according to Reuters reports cited by Geopolitika. Airport ground crews immediately relocated two parked commercial aircraft to protect them from further incoming fire. The facility serves as the primary international gateway for regions of Yemen outside Houthi control.
Concurrently, the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile north of Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with multiple drones. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm any direct strikes on the capital’s aviation facilities. State television also reported the interception of a separate ballistic missile aimed at the southwestern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait.
Government Counteroffensive Targets the Red Sea Coast
The renewed air and missile exchanges coincide with a major ground and air offensive launched by Yemeni government forces this week. Backed by Saudi air support, government troops have moved to secure control over the Red Sea coastline and the vital shipping lanes surrounding the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the city of Mocha.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, handling critical trade traffic between East and West. Following United States and Israeli military actions against Iran—which responded by restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—the Bab el-Mandeb corridor has taken on an elevated role for transporting oil exports from Saudi Arabia. Military sources stated that pro-government forces temporarily cut off the primary supply route to Mocha before clashing over control of the port city.
Fighting displaces 184,000 people
United Nations agencies report that the renewed fighting has severely worsened an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis inside the country. Ongoing combat operations and airstrikes have displaced 184,000 people over recent weeks.
Why Bab el-Mandeb became critical for oil transport?
What military forces are participating in the new government offensive?
Yemeni government forces, supported by the Saudi-led coalition’s air force, launched the offensive this week. The Saudi-led coalition reported that 100 combat planes participated in dawn airstrikes against Houthi positions near the capital city of Sanaa.
How many people have been displaced by the recent escalation?
United Nations figures show that ongoing battles have driven 184,000 people from their homes over the last few weeks, exacerbating an existing humanitarian emergency.
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