Yemen conflict escalates as Houthi-Saudi tensions threaten 2022 truce

An exchange of fire between Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia has threatened the 2022 UN-brokered truce in Yemen. United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg warned that the country faces a greater risk of large-scale conflict than at any point since the truce was established in April 2022.

The escalation began on July 13 following a Saudi airstrike on the runway of the Sanaa airport. The strike was a response to an unauthorized flight operated by the U.S.-sanctioned Iranian airline Mahan Air, which was carrying a high-ranking Houthi delegation. The Houthis' attempt to land the flight without prior permission from the Saudi-led coalition was viewed as a challenge to the coalition's control over Yemeni airspace.

According to officials, the Houthis rejected a compromise offer from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government to facilitate the delegation's travel via a non-Iranian airline. To prevent further escalation, the Saudi-led coalition eventually allowed the flight to land in the Houthi-controlled city of Hodeida following mediation efforts.