HOUTHI OFFICIAL WARNS US AGAINST ENTERING YEMEN WAR

A Houthi official warned on Monday that the United States would face a "swift, painful response" if it entered the war in Yemen. The warning followed reports that Saudi Arabia had asked Washington to help it deal with the group. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks from the Houthis in recent weeks, according to reports. The statement signals the Houthis' intent to resist any direct US military involvement in the conflict. It came as Saudi Arabia continued to face strikes on its territory, including attacks on Riyadh's main airport.

Saudi Arabia extended a suspension of operations at Riyadh airport after it was struck again by the Houthis, and vowed what reports described as a "deadly" or "decisive" response to the attacks. One report said a strike on the airport had killed 12 people. Yemen's ambassador said the Houthis "are thriving and surviving by creating war," according to remarks carried by broadcasters. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have continued a campaign of attacks on Saudi Arabia amid the wider conflict. Saudi Arabia has not detailed what further action it intends to take against the group.

Reports said the escalating fighting in Yemen is worsening the country's food security crisis. The conflict has drawn in regional and international powers, with Saudi Arabia's reported request for US help underlining the scale of the threat it says the Houthis pose. Washington has not publicly confirmed whether it will respond to the request. The Houthi warning raises the prospect of direct confrontation between the group and US forces if Washington becomes more directly involved. No timeline has been given for any decision on US involvement in the conflict.