Houthi group warns against foreign involvement in Yemen conflict amid escalating fighting

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Houthi group warns against foreign involvement in Yemen conflict amid escalating fighting

2026-10-07 14:49 Last Updated At：16:39

Yemen's Houthi group warned Tuesday it could intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia's airports, ports and other infrastructure and retaliate against any foreign country that joins the conflict, as fighting escalates along Yemen's strategic Red Sea coast.

In an interview broadcast by Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen television, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, said government forces breached Houthi lines during their latest offensive on Monday, but claimed the advance had since been contained.

"There was a breach, but we have plugged it," he said. He also said that the group has the military capability to shut down Saudi airports and seaports, warning that continued hostilities could expose wider Saudi infrastructure to attack.

Addressing possible regional involvement, al-Bukhaiti said the Houthis did not expect Türkiye or Pakistan to directly join combat operations inside Yemen, but warned that the group would consider even indirect involvement as participation in the war and would be prepared to respond.

The two countries said on Monday that they will provide military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia in accordance with their commitments under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

Despite the threats, al-Bukhaiti called ending the conflict a "shared interest," arguing that de-escalation would benefit both Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

His remarks came amid intensified fighting along Yemen's southwestern coast, where Saudi-backed government forces launched a major offensive on Monday against Houthi positions around the Bab al-Mandab Strait with extensive Saudi air support. The Houthis seized Mocha and nearby Mayyun Island in September, expanding their presence around the strategic waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The renewed government ground campaign has been accompanied by an escalation in cross-border attacks, with the Houthis launching ballistic missiles and drones at airports, energy facilities and military targets inside Saudi Arabia, while Saudi warplanes have intensified strikes on Houthi positions across Yemen.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

Young mechanic keeps China's bullet trains safe

As travelers across China headed back to their hometowns or tourist destinations on high-speed trains during the week-long National Day holiday, train mechanic Huang Guoqing -- whose given name means "National Day" or "national celebration" in Chinese -- poured his dedication into overnight shifts, meticulously checking bolts and components to ensure the railway network ran safely. The National Day holiday, running from Oct 1 to 7, is referred to as China's "Golden Week" and is a peak period for transportation systems as millions embark on trips or head home to visit loved ones.

Huang starts his night shift at 20:00 at the Electric Multiple Units (EMU) Depot in Chengdu, southwest China's largest high-speed train maintenance base.

"I check the pantograph, the air-conditioning ducts for leaks, and all the bolts. Our work is all about meticulous inspection and repair. Every part must be checked, because passenger safety depends on it," Huang said while carrying out checks on the roof of a Fuxing bullet train.

Huang goes beyond routine maintenance by double-checking even the most minor anomalies. His extra vigilance once prevented a potential safety hazard during an inspection.

"Something didn't feel right, so I turned back for another look. I saw that the yellow mark on a bolt had shifted and immediately called the repair team. It reminded me that we have to take responsibility and check every detail, no matter how small," Huang said.

The meticulous care continues inside the train. After inspecting the roof, Huang checks each carriage and verifies the control systems in the driver's cabs at both ends.

Each train takes one to two hours to inspect, and he typically checks three or four a night. Even during the toughest hours before dawn, he keeps himself and his teammates going.

"He is very focused and careful. He is also sunny and loves to smile. When everyone is tired in the early morning, he still brings energy to the team," said deputy team leader Su Xu.

Huang's dedication carries personal significance. Born on China's National Day, he was named Guoqing, meaning "National Day" or "national celebration." His parents hoped he would grow up to serve the country -- a mission he now fulfills through his work.

"When a train leaves smoothly, a weight lifts from my heart. It means the train is safe. I feel proud, because passengers are traveling for holidays and work on trains I inspected," Huang said.