Saudi Arabia's southern region hit by Houthi missile strike, GCC denounces attack

On 13 July 2026 the Houthi militia launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia's southern region, striking near Abha International Airport. The attack was described by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary‑General Jasim Al‑Badawi as a "cowardly terrorist act" that violates international humanitarian law and threatens regional security. Al‑Badawi called for a firm international response and pledged GCC support for Saudi defensive measures.

Bahrain’s foreign ministry also condemned the strike, praising Saudi air‑defence systems for intercepting the missiles and reaffirming its solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The Houthi spokesperson claimed the operation was a direct retaliation for a Saudi airstrike on Sana'a airport that had targeted an Iranian aircraft. The incident heightens tensions in the Yemen‑Saudi theatre and underscores the risk to civilian infrastructure and air travel in the region.