Houthis launch missiles at Yemen's Aden airport as fighting intensifies

On 7 October 2026, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched two missiles targeting the international airport in Aden, the main gateway for government-controlled areas, though no casualties were reported. The attack follows weeks of Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and a Saudi-backed counteroffensive near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Additionally, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Khamis Mushait, while Houthi media reported unconfirmed Saudi strikes in Ibb and Taiz.

Missile attack on Aden airport

• ▪Aden Airport serves as the main international gateway for parts of Yemen outside of Houthi control
• ▪The missile attack on Aden's airport on 7 October 2026 occurred amid renewed fighting following weeks of Houthi advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast
• ▪Al Jazeera reported two powerful explosions near the international airport in the southern port city of Aden on 7 October 2026
• ▪Two missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis targeted the international airport of Aden early on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, with no casualties reported

Reported Saudi strikes in Ibb and Taiz

• ▪Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV reported that Saudi forces carried out a strike in an area spanning the central Yemeni governorates of Ibb and Taiz on Wednesday, 7 October 2026
• ▪The Saudi-led coalition did not immediately confirm the Saudi strikes reported by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV in the central Yemeni governorates of Ibb and Taiz on 7 October 2026

Debatable claims

• ▪Houthi Red Sea advances are the primary cause of the renewed fighting
• ▪Houthi missile strikes on Aden International Airport are justified
• ▪Saudi-led coalition air support is necessary to stabilize Yemen