Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport on Monday, July 13, 2026 [1, 2].
The attack marks the collapse of a four-year truce [1] between the Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. This escalation threatens to reignite a long-standing regional conflict and destabilize the border regions of both nations.
The missiles targeted the southern region of Saudi Arabia, specifically the Abha International Airport located near the Yemen border [2, 4]. While some reports state only missiles were used [1], other accounts indicate the Houthis launched a combination of missiles and drones [4]. Saudi forces intercepted the projectiles [2].
Houthi officials said the attack was retaliation for a Saudi-linked airstrike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen [2, 3]. The group said that the strike on Sanaa was carried out by Saudi forces [3].
This breach of the ceasefire comes after years of relative calm [1]. The use of ballistic missiles against critical infrastructure, like an international airport, represents a significant shift in the intensity of engagements between the two parties.
Saudi Arabia has not released a formal statement regarding the casualties or the extent of the damage at Abha International Airport, though the interception of the missiles was confirmed [2]. The Houthis said their actions are a direct response to foreign aggression on Yemeni soil [3].
“The attack marks the collapse of a four-year truce”
The termination of the four-year truce suggests a failure of diplomatic efforts to maintain a sustainable peace between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement. By targeting an international airport, the Houthis are demonstrating their ability to strike deep into Saudi territory, potentially forcing the Kingdom to reconsider its security posture and military strategy along its southern border.
