Yemen Fighting Reaches Saudi Airports as War-Crime Allegations Emerge
Houthi drones and missiles struck airports in Saudi Arabia's Jazan and Najran provinces, wounding three people. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have pushed Houthi fighters away from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and claim to have retaken Mocha. Videos showing government armored vehicles running over retreating fighters prompted Houthi accusations of war crimes, while both sides continue to dispute control of the area.
Operation Yemen Dawn began Sunday with Saudi air cover, pushing Houthis back from most ground seized around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in mid-September. Yemen’s government said Tuesday it had retaken Mocha’s port, a day after claiming the strait’s coastal approaches. Houthi drones and missiles wounded three people at Jazan and Najran airports.
Saudi Arabia activated its mutual defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan. A Saudi-led coalition cited 100 jets and began a naval operation against Hodeidah. Washington is providing intelligence and targeting data but no combat action for now. Videos showed government armor running over retreating Houthi fighters below Dhubab; Houthis called it a war crime.
The fighting could further endanger civilians near Yemen’s coast and Saudi border airports, where injuries and displacement may rise. If Mocha, Hodeidah, or Bab el-Mandeb shipping is disrupted, food and fuel prices may climb, affecting Yemenis and regional markets. War-crime allegations could harden communal and political divisions, while the involvement of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and U.S. intelligence support may widen diplomatic stakes. Whether this shortens or prolongs the conflict remains uncertain.