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Yemen’s Sanaa Airport Strike Triggers Houthi Missile Attacks on Saudi Targets and Bab al‑Mandeb Threat
On 13 July 2026 the internationally recognised Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to prevent an Iranian‑operated Mahan Air flight from landing in the Houthi‑controlled capital. The aircraft was diverted to Hodeidah.
In retaliation, the Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and King Khalid Air Base, prompting Saudi air‑defences to intercept several projectiles. Houthi officials warned that Saudi airspace would remain unsafe until the Sanaa runway blockade was lifted.
The escalation revived fears that the Houthis could close the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea gateway, a move that would compound the already strained Strait of Hormuz and could push oil prices toward $200 bbl. U.S. officials reiterated support for Saudi Arabia and warned of heightened maritime risk.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s request for U.S. backing, warned Iran of further strikes, and suggested a U.S. naval presence to protect shipping. The series of attacks marks the most serious Saudi‑Houthi confrontation since the 2022 truce, threatening regional stability and global energy markets.