Saudi-Houthi tensions flare as airstrikes hit Sanaa Airport, prompting retaliatory missile attack

Jul 13, 2026

Tensions in Yemen flare as the internationally recognized government launches airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport to block an unauthorized Iranian Mahan Air flight carrying a Houthi delegation. In response, Houthi rebels launch retaliatory ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, which Saudi air defenses intercept. The escalation prompts the government to close all Yemeni airports, while United Nations officials warn that the sudden hostilities threaten the fragile relative calm maintained since 2022.

Sanaa airport airstrike

▪Sanaa International Airport's runway was hit by airstrikes on July 13, 2026, which the Houthis blamed on Saudi Arabia.
▪The Yemeni Defense Ministry issued orders to evacuate Sanaa International Airport and its surrounding areas following the airstrikes on July 13, 2026.

Iranian aircraft landing dispute

▪Yemen's internationally recognized government stated the airstrike on Sanaa International Airport was conducted to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
▪Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council denied a request by Iran to operate a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Sanaa to return a Houthi delegation.
▪The Houthi delegation's plane was diverted and landed at Hodeida Airport after the runway at Sanaa International Airport was struck.

Houthi missile strikes on Saudi Arabia

▪Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned all airlines against flying through Saudi airspace until the blockade on Sanaa International Airport is lifted.
▪The Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia on July 13, 2026.

Government coalition military response

▪The Saudi-led coalition's air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward the southern region of Saudi Arabia on July 13, 2026.
▪The internationally recognized government in southern Yemen declared all airports in Yemen closed until further notice with immediate effect on July 13, 2026.

UN ceasefire escalation concerns

▪United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg expressed deep concern over the risk of wider escalation and urged all parties to de-escalate.
▪United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council during an emergency meeting that Yemen cannot afford another cycle of escalation.