Houthi-Saudi clashes shatter Yemen truce after airport strikes

A four-year informal truce between Yemen's Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition has been severely tested after airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport and retaliatory missile fire. The violence erupted after Yemen's internationally recognized government bombed the Houthi-controlled airport to prevent an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation from landing, accusing it of transporting military experts and equipment Source: The Guardian. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike Source: AP News and retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport Source: Al Jazeera. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted the missiles Source: SCMP. No casualties were reported.

The airport flashpoint

The trigger was an Iranian flight returning a Houthi delegation from the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, justified the strike as a violation of sovereignty. Houthi officials say the plane carried over 200 medical patients and was forced to divert to Hodeidah Source: Al Jazeera. The Houthis declared the era of de-escalation over Source: CNA.

Deeper issues at play

Analysts warn the confrontation could spill over into the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical energy artery. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to Iran's war, a Red Sea crisis could paralyze global trade Source: Al Jazeera. The UN Security Council has called for de-escalation. The Yemeni government says it is ready for war if necessary Source: The Guardian.