Houthis Break 4-Year Ceasefire After Abha Attack

The Houthi group, supported by Iran, has for the first time in four years launched missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) at Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia. This attack marks the highest level of tension since the unofficial ceasefire of 2022, which came after Saudi Arabia was accused of attacking the airport in Sanaa, Yemen.

This attack is significant as it breaks the relative stability along the southern border of Saudi Arabia since 2022, following an escalation of tensions to the highest level since the war began in 2015. It was preceded by a crisis involving an Iranian aircraft accompanying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Khamenei, which the Yemeni government described as a violation.

Will the accusations against Saudi Arabia regarding the Sanaa attack lead to a new crisis?

The Houthis have threatened to respond to this attack, stating last week that “the time of stability is over.” Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, stated that they attacked Abha to “respond to Saudi aggression.” He added that he warned airline companies to avoid Saudi airspace until the “blockade” of Sanaa airport is lifted.

The United Nations Security Council has called for an urgent meeting to discuss how to prevent the escalation of tensions. Deputy Secretary-General Khaled Khiari stated: “Yemen and the wider region cannot afford to go through another cycle of crisis.”

On the other hand, the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, stated that it attacked the Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. It noted in a press release that “the Houthis refused to allow Yemeni aircraft, but insisted on an Iranian aircraft that violated Yemeni airspace.”

This missile and drone attack occurred on July 13, 2026, and it was reported that Saudi forces intercepted some of them, with no casualties reported.

This attack is increasing regional tensions, following a 4-year ceasefire, but it is now expected that the conflict along the southern border will resume.

The post Houthis Break 4-Year Ceasefire After Abha Attack first appeared on Radio Dalsan .