How new Yemen tensions could complicate the global energy crisis

Yemen's Vice-President Abdullah al-Alimi stated that Iranian flights to and from Yemen are an unacceptable violation of Yemeni sovereignty. This statement followed Yemeni government airstrikes on Sana'a airport, which were in response to an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Iran. The delegation ultimately landed at another airport. Al-Alimi asserted that these flights carry equipment for the Houthi movement, which he described as a regional and international threat. The Houthis responded to the airstrikes by firing missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking a truce. Al-Alimi also noted the Houthi movement's weakening position, partly due to Iran's diminished influence, and emphasized the need for the legitimate government to hold a monopoly on weapons.

Yemen's Houthi movement fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, targeting Abha International Airport. This action broke a four-year truce and followed Houthi accusations that Saudi Arabia bombed an airport under their control on Monday. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition stated that Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles launched by the Houthi militia toward the southern region. The Houthi military spokesperson confirmed the targeting of Abha, a city in Saudi Arabia's southern region bordering Yemen.

Yemen's legitimate government targeted the runway at Sanaa International Airport to prevent an unauthorized Iranian plane from landing, according to a government defense ministry statement. The Iran-backed Houthi movement condemned the strike, blaming Saudi Arabia and vowing retaliation, threatening to disrupt shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This incident follows the Houthis' disruption of Red Sea shipping since October 7, 2023, and could lead to a resumption of war with the Saudi-led coalition. Experts suggest Iran and the Houthis are attempting to normalize direct ties and challenge existing restrictions. The Yemeni government stated the action was a response to the Houthis defying international law by allowing unauthorized Iranian flights, which they believe are used for smuggling weapons.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government announced its forces conducted a strike at Sanaa airport on Monday. The government stated the strike targeted the airport runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing, alleging the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who control Sanaa, insisted the Iranian plane violate Yemeni airspace. The government also claimed the Houthis had prevented Yemeni national aircraft from landing. In response, the Houthi military spokesman warned of retaliation, blaming Saudi Arabia for the attack without providing evidence. The Yemeni government had previously advised civilians, workers, diplomatic missions, and humanitarian organizations to evacuate the airport and its vicinity.