The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government said it had destroyed 136 military targets in Houthi-controlled areas during a large-scale military operation announced on Friday night.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said the operation targeted Houthi fighters and military capabilities. The coalition also said it was providing continuous air support to Yemeni government forces as they intensified their offensive against the group.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed 136 Houthi military targets in Yemen.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki announced the operation.
The coalition said it was providing continuous air support to Yemeni government forces.
Missile attacks on Riyadh airport killed three Saudi nationals, according to Saudi authorities.
EASA expanded its advisory against operating in additional areas of Saudi airspace.
According to the coalition, the operation also aimed to dismantle the Houthis’ ballistic missile network and reduce their ability to launch further attacks.
The announcement came as Yemeni government forces stepped up military operations under a campaign known as Operation Dawn of Yemen, aimed at regaining territory held by the Houthis.
The escalation follows renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, missile strikes targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing three Saudi nationals and injuring several other people, according to Saudi authorities. The attacks also disrupted air travel.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The escalation could affect regional stability, civilian aviation and security around important international shipping routes. Continued fighting may also disrupt air travel and increase risks to civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expanded its advisory recommending that airlines avoid additional portions of Saudi Arabian airspace because of increased risks associated with missile and drone activity. Its updated advisory cited the growing threat to aviation infrastructure and civilian aircraft.
The latest developments highlight the widening conflict in Yemen and its potential implications for regional security, international aviation and transport routes.
The figure of 136 destroyed military targets was reported by the Saudi-led coalition and has not been independently confirmed in full.
