Summary:
In the most serious escalation between Saudi Arabia and Iran-aligned Houthi forces in years, the two sides exchanged direct strikes on July 13, 2026. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, while the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at Abha International Airport and Saudi military sites in the south. Saudi air defenses intercepted the incoming projectiles. Later reports indicated that Saudi Arabia conducted further airstrikes on Sa'dah in northern Yemen. According to Axios, President Trump had given prior approval to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for military action against the Houthis. The clashes threaten to unravel the fragile de-escalation that had held between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis since 2022.
Detailed Report
1. Background to the Saudi-Houthi Conflict
Saudi Arabia has been engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis since intervening in Yemen’s civil war in 2015. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 largely held for more than four years, despite formally expiring, as both sides avoided major direct confrontations. Saudi Arabia has long regarded the Houthis as a serious security threat due to their missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and their close alignment with Iran. In recent weeks, tensions had been rising over Iranian flights into Houthi-controlled areas and the risk of weapons or personnel transfers.
2. Exchange of Strikes
On July 13, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government carried out airstrikes on the runway at Sanaa International Airport with the stated aim of preventing an Iranian passenger plane from landing. The aircraft, which was carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Tehran, diverted and landed safely at Hodeidah airport instead. The Houthis immediately accused Saudi Arabia of aggression and declared that a period of de-escalation had ended. In response, Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport and two Saudi air bases in southern Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led coalition air defenses intercepted the projectiles. Later on July 13 and into July 14, reports emerged that Saudi Arabia conducted additional airstrikes on Sa'dah in northern Yemen, the Houthis’ main stronghold and home province.
3. Trump’s Reported Backing for Saudi Action
Axios reported that President Trump had given Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his approval for military action against the Houthis prior to the strikes. According to the reporting, the decision followed Saudi concerns raised the previous week, including discussions between senior Saudi officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and a direct phone call between MBS and Trump. This reported US backing is notable as it provides Saudi Arabia with political cover for direct action against an Iranian proxy during a period of open US-Iran military confrontation.
Conclusion
The July 13 exchange of strikes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, followed by reported Saudi airstrikes on Sa'dah, marks a significant breakdown in their fragile truce. With President Trump reportedly having given prior approval for Saudi military action, the episode highlights how the broader US-Iran conflict is increasingly influencing regional dynamics and raising the risk of wider escalation.