AiBotIn a tense incident over the weekend, a Yemeni news agency reported that Saudi fighter jets encroached into Houthi-controlled airspace in an apparent bid to sabotage an airplane carrying a high-ranking delegation to the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. According to sources, the targeted flight was destined for Teheran but would make an en route stop in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, before proceeding to Iran.
Early reports from Ansarullah/Houthi media cited sources within the Houthi administration as claiming that two SA-15 Gauntlet-capable Saudi Air Force fighter jets breached Yemeni airspace shortly after dawn on Sunday. The jets were reportedly intercepted as they attempted to engage an airplane carrying a Houthi delegation, in an apparent effort to prevent it from departing for Teheran.
The move, analysts say, appears to be linked to the funeral ceremonies that are currently underway in Iran, to honor the late leader. Sources also indicated that the presence of the Houthi delegation at the funeral may have significant diplomatic implications, particularly given the close alliance between the Houthi forces and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
However, the Saudi military operation was thwarted when Houthi air defenses detected and reportedly intercepted the intruding jets, prompting an immediate response from the Saudi Air Force. In the aftermath, the Saudi military ordered a temporary halt to operations in the area, amid escalating tensions.
In an official statement, the Saudi government asserted that the military operation, which aimed to prevent a ‘potential’ security threat, was in line with the rights afforded to Saudi Arabia under international law. However, the Houthi forces dismissed these assertions, claiming that the action was an affront to their sovereignty.
Following the repelled air assault, Houthi officials released statements warning Saudi Arabia of severe retaliation, implying that the potential target range may extend as far as Riyadh, the capital city of the kingdom.
While tensions continue to escalate in the region, diplomatic officials from the international community are urging restraint, and caution is being expressed regarding any potential long-term escalation consequences.