A senior Houthi official warned the United States on Monday against entering the conflict in Yemen, vowing a “swift and painful response” targeting American interests across the region.
The warning follows statements from U.S. President Donald Trump indicating he is considering joining Saudi-led strikes against the group following a deadly weekend attack.
Escalation in Yemen and Strikes on Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, months into a broader regional conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and plunged the Middle East into crisis. In the ongoing campaign, a Saudi-led coalition supports the internationally recognized government against the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
The Houthis have aggressively targeted Saudi energy infrastructure, shipping tankers, and transport hubs. On Monday night, explosions echoed across Riyadh as the Saudi coalition intercepted a Houthi missile targeting the capital’s airport. The coalition later reported intercepting two additional ballistic missiles launched toward the southern border city of Khamis Mushait, where a key military base is located.
Saturday’s strike on King Khalid International Airport resulted in 13 deaths and hundreds of injuries, marking the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in over a decade.
U.S. Weighs Military Involvement
Reacting to the airport attack, President Trump condemned the assault as “not acceptable” and announced plans to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump told reporters that Washington is actively considering joining Saudi airstrikes against the group after previously rebuffing similar requests for assistance.
”The Houthis are misbehaving very badly. They’re misbehaving very badly. No good,” Trump said on Monday.
Houthi Retaliation Threats
In response, Houthi political bureau member Mohammed Al Bukhaiti told AFP that any direct U.S. military intervention would draw an immediate retaliation.
”If the US becomes involved in the aggression against Yemen, we will not deliberate over the decision to respond, rather, there will be a swift and painful response targeting the US and all its interests in the region,” Al Bukhaiti said.
He also issued a direct warning to civilian workers: “All employees and workers at Saudi oil facilities and airports [must] stay away from these sites, as they have become legitimate targets.”
