Deadly attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi airports highlight widening fallout from Yemen conflict

By AFP | Posted by TOE Saudi authorities said Wednesday three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom’s international airports, including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen’s Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs. The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed a wave of attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure in recent weeks, which came as Riyadh-backed forces pressed a counter-offensive against the group’s territorial gains. Since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, more than 200,000 people have been displaced within the country, the United Nations said Wednesday. The Houthis claimed an attack on Riyadh’s main airport, while the Saudi-led coalition — which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government in its fight against the group — vowed retaliation. The Houthis later claimed another attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday and repeated a warning — “...

Several international airlines cancel their flights in Venezuela after US warning

Three international airlines canceled their flights departing from Venezuela on Saturday, the day after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over the country.

Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca and TAP Air Portugal canceled their flights departing from Caracas on Saturday, according to Flightradar24 and the official website of Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport.

Aeronautica Civil de Colombia said in a statement there were “potential risks” of flying in the Maiquetia area “due to the deterioration of security conditions and increased military activity in the region.”

TAP Air Portugal confirmed it canceled its flights scheduled for Saturday and next Tuesday. “This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” the company told Reuters.

Spain’s Iberia also said it was canceling their flights to Caracas from Monday until further notice. The Spanish company’s flight scheduled on Saturday to Madrid from Venezuela’s capital departed.

“The company will assess the situation to decide when to resume flights to that country,” an Iberia spokesperson told Reuters.

Copa Airlines and Wingo kept their flights departing from Maiquetia on Saturday.

The U.S. FAA notice cited the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela” and said threats could pose risks for aircraft at all altitudes.

There has been a massive American military buildup in the region in recent months, including the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35 aircraft.

Latam Airlines (LTM.SN), opens new tab flight to Bogota scheduled for Sunday has also been canceled, Flightradar24 says.

SOURCE: REUTERS AND AGENCIES



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