On Tuesday, July 14, passengers from the United Arab Emirates faced significant disruptions due to the cancellation of multiple flights following a missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport by Houthi rebels. The attack, which occurred on Monday, July 13, led to the cancellation of two return services from Abha to Dubai and one to Sharjah, as well as two flights from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2. According to reports, at least 10 departures from Abha were cancelled between 11:50 am and 5:55 pm, including five Saudia services and two Flyadeal flights. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in response to airstrikes they blamed on Riyadh that struck Sanaa International Airport earlier. No casualties were reported, but the attacks marked an escalation not seen since a Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi-controlled areas several years ago. Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree warned airlines against flying through Saudi airspace, saying these warnings should be taken seriously until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted. The UN Security Council expressed concern about the risk of a wider escalation, with UN Assistant Secretary-General for political affairs Khaled Khiari calling on all actors to constructively engage in negotiations under UN auspices. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has led to a protracted civil war, with a Saudi-led coalition, including the UAE, intervening in 2015 to try to restore the government to power.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf