The Houthis this morning have also issued a warning to travellers and airlines against using Saudi airports following yesterday's attack. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
It is the first public message from the group since Saturday's deadly assault. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said airports and airspace "are exposed to targeting and constitute a theatre of operations for our forces", he said, adding that the group was pursuing: "airport for airport, siege for siege, and escalation for escalation".
He said the airports in Mecca and Medina – the holiest cities in Islam – were excepted.
All week the Houthis have been striking the main international airport, which was first targeted about a fortnight ago as fighting ramped up within Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition backing the government forces in Yemen have launched an outright offensive in the country this week to try and push back the Houthis who've rapidly seized and gained territory these past weeks.
The Houthis have taken over islands in the Bab al-Mandab strait and also staked stronger positions along the Red Sea, crucially seizing control of the main passageway through which its enemy state – top oil exporter Saudi Arabia – had been diverting its flows as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut off.
The Houthis' latest statement signals further escalation of tensions in the region. The warning regarding airports and airspace directly affects travellers and airlines, which could impact international air traffic.
The Saudi-led coalition's offensive in Yemen is seen as a response to the Houthis' rapid territorial gains. In recent weeks, the Houthis have taken control of a number of territories, shifting the balance of power in the region.
The strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab strait and positions along the Red Sea is significant. This is one of the key routes for global oil transportation. With the Strait of Hormuz shut off, the importance of routes through the Red Sea increases further.
The exception of the airports in Mecca and Medina in the Houthi military spokesman's statement reflects the group's position regarding religious centres. These two cities are recognised as the holiest sites in Islam.
The development of the situation in the region is in the focus of the international community. Warnings regarding airports and military actions directly affect regional stability.