Houthis Attack Saudi Airport and Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Iran-backed Houthi movement launched a series of strikes against Saudi Arabian infrastructure and maritime assets between August 4 and August 6, 2026. The escalation began with a drone attack on Najran Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, which disabled the facility's main radar and suspended flight operations. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the strike targeted a sensitive site in response to Saudi drone violations over the Saada and Hajjah governorates.

Following the airport strike, Houthi forces targeted the Saudi oil tanker Wafaa with several ballistic missiles in the northern Red Sea off the coast of Yanbu. Saree described the hit as precise and linked the operation to a maritime blockade initiated on July 22. According to Saree, the group has targeted eight Saudi oil tankers and prevented 29 others from crossing the Red and Arabian Seas since the blockade began.

These attacks mark the first exchange of heavy fire between the two parties since a 2022 truce. The Houthis have vowed to escalate operations to close all access points for Saudi tankers to establish what Saree called a "blockade-for-blockade equation." The Government of Saudi Arabia has retaliated with strikes on Houthi positions but has not issued an official comment regarding the attack on Najran Airport.