Yemen Airport Strike Sparks Competing Claims, Houthi Retaliation

Houthi rebels claimed Saudi Arabia struck Sanaa International Airport in Yemen on the 13th (local time), while Yemen's Defense Ministry countered that the airstrike was conducted by Yemeni government forces, not Saudi Arabia. The Yemen government stated the runway was targeted to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing after Houthi forces blocked Yemeni civilian planes from using the airport. The incident occurred amid ongoing conflict between Iran-backed Houthi rebels controlling Sanaa and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Competing Claims Over Sanaa Airport Strike

Video footage showed missiles striking the runway at Sanaa International Airport, producing explosions and flames. Yemen's Defense Ministry issued a statement asserting that the airstrike was carried out by Yemeni government forces, not Saudi Arabia. The ministry said Houthi rebels, backed by the Iranian regime, blocked Yemeni civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa airport while attempting to allow Iranian planes to land on Yemeni territory. According to some foreign media reports, an Iranian aircraft attempting to land at Sanaa airport was carrying Houthi leadership and ultimately diverted to Hodeidah airport, which is under Houthi control.

Houthi Forces Launch Retaliatory Strike on Saudi Abha Airport

Houthi rebels announced they struck Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport using ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for the Sanaa airport airstrike. The Houthis described the action as a direct response to the attack on their controlled airport.

Trump Administration Expresses Support for Saudi Action

US internet media Axios reported on the 14th that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed US President Donald Trump of the airstrike plan in advance, and Trump expressed support for Saudi Arabia. The report indicated coordination between the Saudi leadership and the Trump administration regarding the military action.

FAQ

What happened at Sanaa International Airport on the 13th?
Houthi rebels claimed Saudi Arabia struck the airport runway with missiles on the 13th (local time), while Yemen's Defense Ministry stated Yemeni government forces conducted the airstrike to block an Iranian aircraft from landing after Houthi forces barred Yemeni civilian planes from using the facility.

How did Houthi forces respond to the Sanaa airport strike?
Houthi rebels announced they launched a retaliatory strike on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport using ballistic missiles and drones in response to the Sanaa airport airstrike.