Early Wednesday, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones targeting Aden International Airport in southern Yemen, Yemen’s Transport Ministry. This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Iran-aligned Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, with fighting intensifying across multiple fronts.
The Saudi-led coalition, supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, reported intercepting and destroying a Houthi ballistic missile north of Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The coalition also stated it was tracking the missile launch platform over Houthi-controlled Sanaa and intended to neutralize it, though no details on casualties or damage were provided.
The escalation follows a swift counter-offensive by Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi-led coalition air support, aiming to reclaim strategic territory along the Red Sea coast near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the city of Mocha. The government announced it had successfully pushed the Houthis out of areas seized last month, reigniting the complex 12-year war that has caused one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises and fragmented Yemen, the Arab world’s poorest country.
One missile landed close to the runway at Aden International Airport just minutes before a flight from Cairo was scheduled to land. Authorities canceled the landing and diverted the aircraft to Jeddah. Additionally, two planes on the runway were moved away amid fears of further strikes. Aden International Airport serves as the main international gateway for regions of Yemen outside Houthi control. There was no immediate response from the Houthis regarding the airport attack.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with several drones, although Saudi officials have not confirmed any attack on the airport. Saree also stated that the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones against Abha International Airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a missile launched toward Khamis Mushait but did not confirm any attacks on Abha airport.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, captured the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. This prompted a military intervention led by Saudi Arabia, concerned about Iran’s influence in Yemen and regional instability. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 largely halted heavy fighting but failed to produce a lasting peace, with recent spillover from the Iran conflict fueling renewed hostilities. The Saudi-led coalition accuses Iran of arming, training, and financing the Houthis, allegations the group denies, asserting they develop their own weapons independently. Tehran also rejects these accusations.
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