Intensive airstrikes on Houthi sites in Sanaa

Washington, DC – Agencies: Violent explosions rocked Sanaa yesterday following air strikes targeting scattered sites belonging to the Houthi group. Eyewitnesses said that approximately six air strikes hit Al-Nahdain Mountain, which overlooks the Presidential Palace, and Attan Mountain south of Sanaa, noting that plumes of smoke were seen rising from the targeted sites. Witnesses reported a dense presence of warplanes in Sanaa’s airspace, while Yemeni sources stated that air strikes targeted militia concentrations at the eastern entrance to the city of Taiz. The strikes also hit Houthi sites in Al-Mahabisha, Al-Sharafayn, and Kashar in Hajjah Governorate.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are preparing to hold an emergency meeting in Riyadh next week to discuss the escalating developments in Yemen and deliberate on an Iranian proposal calling for a political approach toward the Houthi group. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the three countries, signatories to the Mecca Charter for Joint Defense, will discuss the next steps in response to recent security developments, as well as the idea of political engagement with the Houthis put forward by Iran. Dar did not specify a final date for the meeting but said it would be held in Riyadh next week. He clarified that the Iranian proposal did not constitute a written offer or a comprehensive agreement, but rather emerged from discussions between the foreign ministers of the two countries, noting that it was presented as an alternative to military action. He added that the idea would be discussed among Mecca Charter members before any further steps are taken.

This diplomatic move comes at a sensitive time for Saudi Arabia, which is facing escalating attacks by the Houthis, coinciding with preparations for a military operation aimed at reclaiming areas on Yemen’s western coast and securing navigation in the Red Sea. Dar said Iran had informed Pakistan that it wants to end the current situation, pointing out that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi support resolving the issue. He added that he had also briefed Tehran on the nature of the Mecca Charter and Pakistan’s commitments to Saudi Arabia.