Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking mediation with the Sana’a-based Yemeni government amid concerns that a fresh wave of violence between the two sides could be unleashed.
According to the Lebanese Arabic-language al-Akhbar daily newspaper, Riyadh has taken steps to engage regional and international mediation efforts concerning Yemen, in response to attacks on Sana’a International Airport and subsequent retaliatory strikes from Yemen, as fears of a fresh outbreak of violence are rising.
Authorities from the Sana’a-based Yemeni government have once again cautioned civilian airlines against operating in Saudi airspace, suggesting that attacks may increase unless the restrictions on Sana’a airport are lifted.
Officials emphasized their determination to close the kingdom’s airports if the Saudi blockade remains in effect, calling for the total resumption of commercial flights “without obstruction.”
In response, Riyadh has engaged in mediation initiatives spearheaded by Oman and Qatar to mitigate the escalation. Informed political sources said Saudi Arabia has communicated to mediators that it is not accountable for the recent attack on Sana’a airport, instead placing the blame on the Aden-based Yemeni government, which is allied with Riyadh.
A Yemeni military source, however, dismissed the Saudi narrative, stating, “The forces in Sana’a have identified the type of missiles employed in the attack on Monday… The aircraft responsible for the strike on Sana’a International Airport was Saudi, and the missiles deployed were British-made Storm Shadow tactical missiles… which are exclusively in the possession of Saudi forces.”
Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia remains closed due to recent retaliatory strikes from Yemen.
In light of this development, the military media bureau of the Ansarullah resistance movement has released a new “target map” that includes all Saudi airports, highlighting what analysts interpret as a willingness to broaden their operations despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Amid worries of further escalation, Saudi Arabia has encouraged UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to amplify his efforts.
Grundberg held discussions with Ansarullah’s chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, along with Omani officials, focusing on de-escalation and the preservation of the fragile tranquility that has been in effect since the April 2022 ceasefire.
Although the specifics of the UN proposal are not yet fully known, it is thought that the discussions include humanitarian initiatives, such as salary disbursements, the reopening of roads, the removal of air travel restrictions, and the exchange of prisoners.
Sources in Sana’a, however, emphasized that maintaining pressure on the ground is crucial.
“Military actions against Saudi Arabia are the sole assurance for the execution of any agreement,” one source said, implying that Saudi Arabia’s requests for mediation are intended to prevent additional attacks and postpone the resolution of disputed matters.
