Houthis Attack Saudi Airport After Sanaa Runway Strikes

The internationally recognized Government of Yemen and its Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on the runway of Sanaa International Airport on July 13, 2026. The operation aimed to prevent a Mahan Air flight, carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, from landing. The Iranian aircraft was subsequently diverted to Hodeidah airport. Following the strikes, the Yemeni government ordered the indefinite closure of all national airports and placed its military on high alert.

In retaliation, the Houthi movement launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport and King Khalid Air Base in southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared the end of the de-escalation phase that had largely held since 2022, vowing that the attacks would not go unpunished. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted the projectiles, and no casualties were reported. The Houthis further warned airlines against using Saudi airspace until the blockade on Sanaa airport is lifted.

United Nations officials, including Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, warned the UN Security Council of a risk of wider escalation. Humanitarian officials noted that the airport closures exacerbate Yemen's crisis, forcing patients to travel to Aden for flights. The incident has triggered an emergency UN Security Council meeting, with Iran condemning the Sanaa strikes as a violation of international law while the U.S. and Yemeni representatives asserted the flights supported Houthi terrorism.