Amid rising regional tensions, large rallies broke out on Friday in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, and across more than 14 Houthi-controlled provinces, with crowds voicing support for Iran in the event of any escalation with Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi military group said that the demonstrations were held in solidarity with Iran and in condemnation of the U.S. strikes against it. The group warned that ongoing developments in the Middle East could have broader implications for regional security and stability.
Demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Tehran as tensions continued to mount, with growing fears that the friction could threaten security in the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
"We believe there should be a strong and well-calculated response against the United States and Israel. We also believe it is necessary to maintain the unity of the fronts and for the other fronts to take part in this confrontation, so that we can teach the United States a lesson. Otherwise, it will continue with this policy," said Zaid Al-Gharsi, Head of Media Department under the Office of the Presidency in Houthi-controlled Sanaa.
The rallies conveyed messages beyond political support.
They also backed the group's latest military statement, which warned Saudi Arabia against any actions that would constitute violations of Yemeni airspace.
The statement threatened to target airports, ports and other critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia if such incidents were to recur. It also underscored the group's escalating rhetoric and links developments in Yemen to broader regional tensions. "The red lines that could push Sanaa from warnings to military action are any military responses by the Saudi government, or any attempts again to block or prevent Iranian aircraft from landing at the Sanaa International Airport. These are the red lines. If Saudi Arabia takes such actions, it will face a strong response, and I believe it could lead to a full-scale war," Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, a member of the Houthi political bureau. The rallies also highlighted the group's call for public mobilization, stressing readiness for a general response if military confrontations with the U.S. or other international parties resume. Observers believe these events reflect the readiness of Houthi supporters to back any steps the group may take if the escalation expands.
Houthi-held areas see mass rallies backing Iran, warning Saudi Arabia
Houthi-held areas see mass rallies backing Iran, warning Saudi Arabia
Houthi-held areas see mass rallies backing Iran, warning Saudi Arabia
