Houthi forces launched air defense missiles toward a Saudi warplane that had entered Yemeni airspace close to Sanaa International Airport, according to a statement released Friday by group spokesperson Yahya Sarea.

The statement indicated the Saudi jet sought to block an Iranian civilian aircraft carrying over 200 injured, ill, and stranded Yemenis from landing at the airport.

It further asserted that the warplane was compelled to depart the vicinity.

Sarea cautioned Saudi Arabia against additional violations and pledged strikes on Saudi airports and other strategic sites.

He also called for an end to what the group termed a Saudi-American blockade of Yemen.

The statement commended Iran for organizing the flight and noted that air links between Sanaa and Tehran would persist.

Early Saturday the Saudi-led coalition described the Houthi remarks as an effort to shift focus from the group's actions against Yemenis and pledged a firm response with significant force to any threats against the kingdom or breaches of Yemeni sovereignty.

Houthi group has been testing missiles recently, sources told the 'Post'

The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has carried out tests to enhance the range and precision of its missiles, The Jerusalem Post learned from two individuals with knowledge of the developments.

Earlier in June Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated that the group would restart attacks on Israel if the Israel-Hamas conflict intensified.

We maintain ongoing coordination with resistance partners and will act without delay to meet our responsibilities in response to any fresh aggression, particularly in Gaza, he said.

Defense Minister Israel Katz cautioned the Houthis against launching strikes.

Israel's matters with the Houthis are unresolved, he said.

They will face consequences. Should their leader come into view we will remove him.