Yemen’s Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, has issued a warning to Saudi Arabia that it may impose a “siege” in response to recent military actions. The threat comes amid escalating hostilities following an airstrike on the airport in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, earlier this week.

Houthi Defence Minister Mohammed Al-Atafi told Yemen’s Saba news agency that the group was prepared to enact a policy of “siege for siege, airport for airport and port for port.” The statement appeared to directly respond to the airstrike, which the Houthis attributed to Saudi Arabia. However, Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi Arabia, subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted an Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Yemen.

In the aftermath, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a missile launched by the Houthis. On Thursday, Houthi leader Abdel-Malik Al-Houthi escalated the rhetoric by threatening attacks on strategic Saudi targets, including oil infrastructure and airports.

The Houthis are considered a key non-state proxy aligned with Iran, raising concerns that the conflict could deepen amid broader regional tensions. Analysts warn that continued clashes might disrupt shipping through the Red Sea and the critical Suez Canal route, especially if the militia resumes attacks on maritime traffic.

The renewed fighting threatens to draw Saudi Arabia further into the confrontation with Iran, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani diplomatic sources noted that the deterioration in Saudi-Houthi relations could hinder Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts. According to one Pakistani diplomat, Islamabad’s close military ties with Saudi Arabia—strengthened by a recent alliance—could compel Pakistan to become involved in the conflict if hostilities intensify.