Houthis warn airlines against flying in Saudi airspace amid escalating tensions

Yemen’s Houthi group warned international airlines on Monday against flying in Saudi airspace amid an escalating military and security situation in the region.

The warning came as the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, announced the launch of a large-scale military operation named “Dawn of Yemen” (Fajr al-Yemen), aimed at retaking the capital, Sanaa, and restoring state institutions.

Houthi-affiliated media reported that the group’s Maritime Coordination Authority issued a statement warning that Saudi airspace would not be safe as long as what the Houthis described as “aggression” continued.

Meanwhile, Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the launch of the Dawn of Yemen operation in a post on X.

Al-Alimi said the Yemeni people and the country’s armed forces, with support from allies, would lead Yemen toward what he described as “a new dawn of freedom, peace and stability.”

He said the military operation was intended to end Houthi control and restore the authority of the internationally recognised government.