Houthi Official Warns of ‘Swift, Painful Response’ if US Enters Yemen War

A senior Houthi official has warned that the United States would face a “swift and painful response” if it intervenes militarily in Yemen, as fighting between the group and Saudi-backed forces intensifies.

Mohammed Al Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, issued the warning in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Monday.

“If the US becomes involved in the aggression against Yemen, we will not deliberate over the decision to respond,” Al Bukhaiti said, adding that any response would target the United States and its interests across the region.

His remarks followed reports that Saudi Arabia had requested American assistance in confronting the Houthis, who have launched repeated attacks on Saudi territory amid renewed fighting in Yemen.

Al Bukhaiti also warned employees and workers at Saudi oil facilities and airports to stay away from the sites, describing them as potential targets.

The warnings come after a series of attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities have reported casualties from the attacks, while the Saudi-led coalition has announced retaliatory strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.

The renewed fighting has intensified concerns about the conflict spreading across the region and threatening critical infrastructure and transport routes.

The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The group has fought Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Saudi-led forces for years, with hostilities escalating again in recent months.

Saudi Arabia has sought international support to counter the attacks, while the United States has been weighing its response to the deteriorating security situation.

Any direct American intervention could widen the conflict and increase the risk of further attacks on military, energy and transport facilities across the region.

The latest warning underscores the growing tensions surrounding Yemen, where military escalation has also raised concerns about civilian safety, regional stability and the security of vital shipping routes near the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The US government had not publicly announced a decision to enter the conflict at the time of reporting.