‘Last warning’: Houthis tell airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, spare Mecca, Medina

Houthis claim Riyadh airport strike, issue ‘last warning’ to global airlines over Saudi airspace

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group on Thursday issued what it called a “last warning” to global airlines over operating flights in Saudi airspace, saying the area had become a “theater for our military operations”.

The group also claimed it had attacked King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh with a ballistic missile.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the missile “struck its target with precision and caused the disruption of airport operations.” There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabia of the latest attack claim.“We reiterate our call and warning "for the last time" to all global airlines regarding the consequences of continuing to operate flights in Saudi airspace, which has become a theater for our military operations,” Saree said, adding that the airspace over the “sacred areas” in Mecca and Medina was exempt.

The statement came hours after Saudi Arabia said a midweek attack on the same airport had killed one person.The US Mission in Saudi Arabia had warned citizens on Wednesday to exercise heightened vigilance amid Houthi threats against airports and airspace, citing the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions."Due to the ongoing security situation in Saudi Arabia and Houthi public threats against airports and airspace across Saudi Arabia, the US Mission reminds all US citizens to exercise heightened vigilance.

The Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports, and the military conflict has the potential to escalate. US citizens should be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.

We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport," it said."US government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks and need special authorization to travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif. US citizens are advised to not travel near the Yemen border," it added.