A senior Yemeni Houthi official has warned the United States that all its interests in the region will be targeted if it supports Saudi Arabia. According to a report by France Press, Abdul Mohammed Thour, a consultant in the Ministry of Defense of the Houthi government, stated that any US military strikes or support for Saudi Arabia would be met with retaliation. Thour emphasized that the Houthis would not spare any US interests in the region, including those in Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, or the Indian Ocean.
The conflict in Yemen has escalated since July, with clashes between Houthi forces, supported by Iran, and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have accused Riyadh of bombing their controlled areas in Yemen, while they have targeted Saudi regions with drones and missiles. Thour's statements come amid heightened tensions between the Houthis and the US, with the Houthis viewing the US as a potential threat to their operations.
Thour highlighted the close relationship between the Houthis and Iran, stating that they are "one alliance and one body." He emphasized that what affects Iran will also affect the Houthis, and vice versa. Thour also revealed that there is coordination and cooperation between the Houthis, Iran, and Lebanon's Hezbollah in the region, with a unified command for the battle.
The Houthis have also warned against any attempts to use Yemeni airspace or waters to attack Iran. Thour stated that any such attempts would be met with force, and that the Houthis would not allow the use of their territory to harm Iran. This comes amid reports of increased military cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi group, accused Saudi Arabia of conducting 760 airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. He claimed that such a large number of airstrikes would have significant consequences for any country, and accused Riyadh of trying to involve Turkey and Pakistan in the conflict.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic costs. According to reports, 154 people were killed in clashes between government forces and Houthi fighters over two days. The situation remains volatile, with concerns of a wider regional conflict.
The Houthi warnings come as the US and Saudi Arabia strengthen their military cooperation. The two countries have signed agreements, including a defense pact, which has raised concerns among the Houthis and their allies. The situation in Yemen remains a key point of contention in the region, with international efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Key points
- The Houthis have warned the US that all its interests in the region will be targeted if it supports Saudi Arabia.
- The conflict in Yemen has escalated since July, with clashes between Houthi forces and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.
- The Houthis have close ties with Iran and Hezbollah, and view themselves as part of a unified resistance movement in the region.
