The Houthi movement issued a stern warning to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, framing the 2014 takeover of Yemen as a decisive moment of its revolution and calling for the kingdom to cease its support of the internationally recognised government.
Defence Minister General Nasir Al‑Atifi and Chief of General Staff General Yusuf Al‑Madani pledged continued allegiance to Houthi leader Abdul‑Malik al‑Houthi, saying:
“We are ready to execute your strategic decisions to deter aggressors and protect the nation’s assets,” the officials stated.
They said the Houthi forces’ recent battlefield successes were an extension of the revolution’s goal to “restore sovereignty and defeat schemes of subjugation.” The group also vowed “costly escalatory measures” against Saudi Arabia’s heartland and strategic interests, and a “decisive and earth‑shattering response” to any further aggression.
In a statement, the Houthis warned that Saudi‑linked vessels would face fire and interdiction “until they taste the same blockade and injustice they inflicted upon our people.” They highlighted their expanded territorial control, which now includes the Red Sea coastline and command over the crucial Bab el‑Mandeb Strait.
Over the weekend, the Saudi‑led coalition confirmed that the Iran‑backed organisation had fired missiles and drones at Riyadh, setting fire near the international airport. In retaliation, Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on the provinces of Al‑Jawf, Marib and Taiz using F‑15 and Typhoon aircraft launched from Khamis Mushait and Taif air bases.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree reported that Saudi Arabia had conducted more than 700 strikes in Yemen since the latest hostilities began, following a projectile that hit Sanaa/Sara Airport on 13 July and prevented an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation from landing.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
