Pakistan denies report its fighter jets joined attacks on Yemen’s Houthis

Pakistan has denied reports that its fighter jets participated in attacks against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as escalating hostilities saw missiles target Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.

According to Ynet News, a senior Pakistani military official anonymously told The New York Times that Pakistani Air Force jets had been used in attacks against the Houthis. However, Pakistan’s Information Ministry later dismissed the report.

The development came as explosions rocked Riyadh, with reports indicating that King Khalid International Airport was struck during a Houthi missile attack. Reuters reported that an aircraft parked at the airport was hit and caught fire.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and another directed towards Khamis Mushait. Debris from an interception reportedly damaged a kindergarten and a medical centre.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the missile “hit its target, caused damage and disrupted air traffic at the airport.”

The attacks have heightened regional tensions, with Saudi Arabia supporting Yemeni government forces fighting the Houthis. Pakistan has confirmed deploying military personnel to Saudi Arabia but denies reports of participating in offensive operations against the rebels.