CAIRO July 14, 2026 – Yemen’s long-simmering conflict saw a sharp escalation on Monday when airstrikes hit Sanaa International Airport, prompting Iran-backed Houthi forces to launch missiles and drones at Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, confirmed it carried out strikes on the runway at Sanaa Airport. The operation aimed to prevent an Iranian Mahan Air flight from landing. The plane, reportedly carrying a Houthi delegation, diverted safely to Hodeidah Airport.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of conducting the airstrikes on Sanaa Airport, describing them as an end to the de-escalation phase that had held since the 2022 UN-brokered truce. He vowed retaliation and warned airlines against flying through Saudi airspace until the “blockade” on Sanaa Airport is lifted.
In response, Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia’s southern Asir region. Saudi air defenses intercepted the projectiles, and no casualties or significant damage were reported. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed the interceptions.
Some social media accounts and reports citing Iranian state media claimed Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including references to areas in northern Yemen such as Sa’dah province. These claims remain unverified by independent sources at this time and appear linked to the Sanaa Airport incident.
The incident marks the most significant direct exchange between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis since the 2022 ceasefire, which had brought relative calm after years of Saudi-led coalition operations against the Iran-aligned group.
Yemen’s government also ordered the closure of all airports in the country following the events. The United Nations expressed deep concern, with officials calling on all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations to avoid further escalation and worsening the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
The developments come amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and its allies, with the Houthis controlling much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.
Both sides have traded accusations, with the Yemeni government framing the Sanaa strikes as a necessary defense of sovereignty against unauthorized Iranian flights, while the Houthis portray them as Saudi aggression.
Further developments are being closely monitored by regional powers and international observers.
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