Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on a Saudi military operations room at Badr Camp in Aden on Wednesday, marking the third such attack in seven days. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated in a post on X that the strike was a "direct hit" on the target. Aden serves as the de facto seat of power for Yemen's Saudi-backed government, which relocated there after Houthi forces seized the national capital, Sanaa, over a decade ago.
A police official in Aden confirmed to the French news agency AFP that a blast occurred "caused by a Houthi missile," while two security sources told AFP the strike targeted a site near Aden's airport. No immediate claims of casualties or damage were reported from the Aden strike.
Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) issued a warning of potential retaliation against undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian infrastructure comes under attack. Brig. Gen. Yadollah Javani, the IRGC's deputy for political affairs, stated that Iran would use "all its capabilities" to respond to any new U.S. or allied attacks on Iranian assets. Javani specifically mentioned undersea cables carrying internet data as potential targets, noting that disruptions could impact connectivity in Persian Gulf countries.
Indirect U.S.-Iran talks continue
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Wednesday that Tehran and Washington remain engaged in indirect negotiations regarding a proposed ceasefire. The discussions follow heightened regional tensions amid ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and Iran's threats of escalatory measures.
Saudi Arabia has sought additional defensive support from international allies, including Britain, Egypt, and Israel, to counter Houthi missile and drone threats. Britain announced Tuesday it would deploy Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to bolster air defenses, while Egypt has already provided assistance. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned that the Houthi threat extends globally, stating that the group has threatened to close the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait through missile and drone attacks if Gulf nations join a potential U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
Escalation in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Houthi strikes on Saudi territory have intensified in recent weeks, with airports in Riyadh, Jizan, Najran, Dammam, and Abha targeted since October 5. The most severe attack struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 300. Several attacks have also targeted Saudi energy infrastructure, raising concerns about broader regional instability.
Analysts note that while defensive measures may mitigate immediate threats, they do little to address the root causes of Houthi capabilities or the underlying conflict in Yemen. The U.S. is reportedly weighing whether to authorize direct strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, a move that could further escalate tensions with Iran.
The IRGC's warning about potential retaliation against critical infrastructure underscores the broader risks of miscalculation in a region already on edge. Regional observers emphasize the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation, as military responses risk triggering broader hostilities.