Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport on Monday. The attack is significant because it ends a four-year period of truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted the International Airport in response to Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen.
Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia
The spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition also confirmed that Saudi forces intercepted missiles “launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the southern region.” The latest escalation comes after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of "blatant aggression" as it carried out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport. The group said the period of de-escalation was over and warned airlines not to fly through Saudi airspace until the "siege" on Sanaa airport was lifted.
Why Was Sanaa Airport Targeted?
The airstrikes on Sanaa airport were claimed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. According to Yemen’s defence ministry, the airport runway was targeted to stop an Iranian aircraft from landing. The government said the aircraft was attempting to enter Yemen in violation of its sovereignty. The ministry added that government forces would respond to any hostile aircraft violating Yemen’s airspace "by all available means" and blamed Iran for the incident.
Will Pakistan Be Involved?
Amid these developments, a question has arisen about Pakistan’s possible role if the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis grows. This is due to its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. In 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Although the full agreement has not been made public, it is believed that both countries agreed to support each other if either comes under attack.
Earlier this year, Pakistan sent around 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia under the agreement. It also deployed about 16 JF-17 fighter jets, two squadrons of drones and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system. Pakistan has also said it can send more forces if needed. Also, after the agreement was signed, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview with a Pakistani broadcaster that Pakistan’s nuclear programme would be available to Saudi Arabia if required. His remarks were widely seen as suggesting that Saudi Arabia could come under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.
What Does The Pact Say?
While the defence agreement says Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are expected to support each other if either country is attacked, the details of the agreement remain confidential. Pakistan’s support may not mean direct military action inside Yemen. It could mean providing support to Saudi air defences, sharing intelligence, protecting important infrastructure or strengthening Pakistani troops already stationed in Saudi Arabia. Notably, Pakistan has maintained a military presence in Saudi Arabia for many years.
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