Europe expands Saudi airspace warning after Houthi attacks

Summary

• The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its warning over Saudi Arabia’s airspace following missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group.
• Missile and drone attacks have targeted the Saudi capital and its surrounding areas, including the vicinity of the city’s airport.
• The advisory follows recent ballistic missile and drone attacks by the Houthis targeting Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia.

AI Generated Summary

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its warning over Saudi Arabia’s airspace following missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group. The agency has raised concerns about the growing threat to civilian aircraft. It has also warned that attacks on airports and aviation facilities could endanger commercial flights.

The updated advisory was issued on Friday after a series of attacks heightened security concerns across Saudi Arabia. EASA initially issued its warning last month but has now broadened its assessment in response to the changing threat.

The agency said southern and southwestern Saudi Arabia remained particularly vulnerable because of their proximity to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. However, recent incidents have shown that the threat extends deeper into Saudi territory.

EASA identified Riyadh, Tabuk, Medina and Yanbu among the areas facing potential risks. It said the latest attacks had demonstrated the Houthis’ ability and intention to strike targets far beyond the kingdom’s southern regions.