Houthis Escalate Strikes on Saudi Airports Amid Yemen Conflict and Iran War Fallout; Mecca Pact Activated

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified attacks on Saudi territory, targeting airports in Riyadh and Abha as well as military sites near the border, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries according to Saudi civil aviation authorities. Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed ballistic missile and drone strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which briefly disrupted flights as reported by Flightradar24, along with Abha airport and bases in Khamis Mushait, Najran, and Asir. Saudi officials confirmed interceptions of some missiles but acknowledged damage and casualties, including foreign nationals. These strikes coincide with renewed fighting in Yemen over Red Sea coast territory and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, threatening oil flows. The attacks follow the activation of the Mecca Defence Alliance (or Pact) involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which pledges collective defense and has led to plans for rapid military deployment. In parallel developments tied to the broader Iran conflict, US President Trump stated the US must 'finish up' the war with Iran 'the nice way or the not-so-nice way,' claiming Iranian drone-making capacity will soon be eliminated, while Vice President Vance emphasized that Iran must make a 'meaningful' reduction in nuclear enrichment capacity for any agreement to end the war.