The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which is affiliated with the pro-Iranian axis, reported Wednesday that Saudi Arabia intensified fighter jet flights along its border with Yemen over the past 48 hours. The paper also said Saudi Arabia deployed air defense systems on high alert to intercept Houthi launches toward Israel, claiming the move was meant to protect its own airspace.
A source, apparently linked to the Houthi terrorist organization, alleged that the Saudi military alert was part of "Saudi-American-Israeli cooperation." He claimed Riyadh had stationed its air force alongside other Arab states "to defend Israel." In recent days, several missiles have indeed landed inside Saudi territory. At the same time, the Houthis appear to be trying to embarrass Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
The step coincided with a statement by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which on Monday condemned Houthi actions in the Red Sea at Saudi Arabia's request. Notably, unlike in past incidents, Arab states and the GCC did not issue condemnations in recent days over strikes against the Houthi government in Sanaa.
Despite a ceasefire on paper, relations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis remain tense. In the past decade, the Saudi king led a regional coalition against the pro-Iranian Houthis after they seized Sanaa. In recent years, Riyadh has preferred a more diplomatic approach.
