SANAA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said on Thursday that Saudi oil facilities and other critical infrastructure would become targets for the group's missiles and drones if Riyadh engaged in what he called a "comprehensive aggression" against Yemen.
Speaking in a televised address broadcast by the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, al-Houthi accused Saudi Arabia of abandoning commitments made during the de-escalation process and maintaining restrictions that, he said, have deprived Yemenis of their oil resources and freedom of movement.
"No one has the right to deprive the Yemeni people of their oil rights and freedom of movement," he said.
Al-Houthi alleged that Saudi Arabia had tightened its blockade on Yemen, failed to implement humanitarian measures linked to de-escalation efforts, and continued to restrict civilian travel, including for medical treatment.
He also accused Riyadh of cooperating with Israel against Yemen.
Warning against renewed Saudi military involvement, al-Houthi said, "If Saudi Arabia escalates its aggression, we will respond in kind, and a blockade will be met with a blockade."
"All Saudi oil and vital installations are targets for our missiles and drones if they engage in aggression against our country," he added.
He also warned that "the equation is Sanaa airport for Riyadh airport," signaling potential retaliation against aviation infrastructure if hostilities resume.
The Houthi remarks came days after the most serious exchange between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in years, triggered by a dispute over an Iranian aircraft carrying a senior Houthi delegation.
On Monday, Yemen's internationally recognized government blocked the flight from landing at Sanaa International Airport, saying it violated the country's sovereignty. Later, airstrikes damaged the airport's runway, forcing the aircraft to divert to Hodeidah, while the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the attack. ■
