The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has released video footage of an attack on Saudi military forces in open desert terrain, showing what the group claims is a coordinated assault on a Saudi convoy.
The footage opens with a column of armoured vehicles, trucks and tanks moving across desert ground, accompanied by infantry advancing on foot through the sandy terrain.
The video then shows what appear to be direct hits from mortar fire and other weapons striking the vehicles and armoured units. Heavy clouds of smoke and dust rise into the air as some of the military equipment is hit and stops moving.
In a later section, the footage shows fighters operating mortars from fortified positions and trenches dug into the sand.
The release of the video comes as Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen have expanded their range in recent days, targeting civilian and strategic infrastructure deep inside Saudi Arabia.
As part of the escalation, a Houthi spokesman issued a warning to airlines and travellers, calling on them to stay away from airports and oil facilities in the kingdom. According to the terror group's statement, these sites have become "legitimate targets" in the framework of the fighting.
The wave of attacks has focused on King Khalid International Airport in the capital, Riyadh. The site was hit by direct strikes from missiles and unmanned aircraft, which led to the deaths of at least 13 people and injuries to hundreds more. Among the victims were foreign nationals present at the location, including a United States citizen. The strikes caused heavy damage to the terminal, destroyed a passenger aircraft parked on the runway, and sparked fires at fuel facilities.
Following the repeated attacks, Saudi aviation authorities announced a partial suspension of air traffic and the cancellation of flights. At the same time, the kingdom's air defence forces reported intercepting a number of missiles and aircraft launched at additional areas, including the airport in Dammam and facilities belonging to the national oil company.
In response to the wave of attacks, the Saudi-led coalition carried out a series of extensive air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. In Washington, officials said they are considering the possibility of joining the military strikes alongside Saudi Arabia. In response, the Houthis warned of a direct military response against American forces if they intervene in the fighting.
