Saudi airstrike on Sanaa runway sparks Houthi missile retaliation

On July 13, 2026, Saudi Arabia struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport, saying the target was a plane carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Iran. Yemen’s defence minister confirmed the strike, noting that the airport had already been largely destroyed by earlier Israeli attacks. U.S. officials reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received backing from former President Trump for the operation.

In response, Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region. Saudi officials said air defenses intercepted the threat and reported no casualties.

Yemeni leadership, including members of the Presidential Council and the national negotiation team, pledged not to abandon the Yemeni people, warned of heightened combat readiness, and called for the unconditional reopening of Sanaa Airport. Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for Yemen’s legitimate authorities.

Separately, analysts noted Iran’s interest in using the Houthi militia to block the Bab al‑Mandab strait, a strategic move that could affect global maritime trade and further heighten tensions in the region.