Houthi military spokesman Yahya said on July 3 at 05:20 local time a formation
of Saudi warplanes entered Yemeni airspace attempting to prevent an Iranian
civilian airliner from landing at Sanaa International Airport. He said Houthi
air defenses launched multiple surface-to-air missiles to intercept, forcing the
warplanes to leave Yemeni airspace. The group warned that further Saudi airspace
incursions or military action against Houthi forces would prompt retaliatory
strikes on Saudi airports and key infrastructure. It said it will not accept a
blockade of Sanaa airport or Yemen, will take measures to lift any blockade, and
will continue to maintain flights between Sanaa and Tehran, welcoming Iran’s
efforts to restore those services. Saudi authorities had no immediate comment.
