Houthi Spokesperson Accuses Saudi Arabia of Airstrikes on Sanaa Airport

SANAA, Yemen (July 13, 2026) — The military spokesperson for the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen stated Monday that Saudi-led coalition forces targeted Sanaa International Airport with airstrikes. Yahya Saree described the attack as an act of unjust and ruthless aggression against civilian infrastructure in the capital city.

Saree announced the incident during a briefing held shortly after 11:00 local time, asserting that the strikes were part of a broader escalation by Saudi Arabia. The Houthi movement controls Sanaa International Airport, which has served as a critical logistical hub for the group since its takeover in 2014. While Saree provided details regarding the nature of the aggression, he did not immediately release specific casualty figures or confirm the extent of physical damage to the terminal and runway facilities.

The accusation marks another flare-up in tensions between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, which has led a multinational coalition fighting an insurgency that began over a decade ago. The conflict has long been characterized by shifting frontlines and periodic accusations of disproportionate force from both sides. In previous years, similar allegations regarding airstrikes on civilian targets have frequently emerged without immediate independent verification or public comment from the opposing side.

Saudi Arabia has not yet issued a statement confirming or denying involvement in Monday's reported strikes. The coalition typically attributes its air operations to targeting military assets and preventing Houthi advances toward Saudi territory. However, no official response regarding this specific incident on Sanaa International Airport had been released by early afternoon local time.

The airport has historically been a focal point of strategic importance for the Houthis, serving as their primary gateway for international travel and cargo despite years of blockade restrictions. Any significant damage to the facility could disrupt humanitarian aid flows and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region's fragile security situation.

As of Monday afternoon, local residents in Sanaa reported hearing explosions near the airport district, though access to the site remained restricted by Houthi security forces. International observers are awaiting further details on whether any foreign nationals or aid workers were present during the incident. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have previously called for strict adherence to international law regarding attacks on civilian infrastructure in Yemen.

Questions remain regarding the immediate aftermath of the reported strikes, including potential injuries among airport staff and travelers, as well as the operational status of flights scheduled through Sanaa. With no independent access granted to journalists or monitoring groups within the capital, full confirmation of the event's scale relies currently on statements from the Houthi military command.

The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for potential retaliatory measures in a conflict that has already displaced millions across Yemen.