Aden, October 7, 2026: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched ballistic missiles and explosive drones at Aden International Airport on Wednesday, escalating fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. One missile landed close to the runway shortly before a passenger flight from Cairo was due to arrive, forcing authorities to divert the aircraft.
Missile Lands Near Aden Airport Runway
According to officials, one of the missiles struck near the runway at Aden International Airport.
The attack occurred shortly before a flight arriving from Cairo was scheduled to land, prompting aviation authorities to divert the aircraft to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a precaution.
Aircraft Moved for Safety
Planes already parked at Aden airport were also relocated amid fears of additional strikes.
Aden International Airport is a critical transport hub for areas of Yemen controlled by the internationally recognised government and is one of the country’s main links with the outside world.
Houthis Use Missiles and Explosive Drones
The Houthis launched a combination of ballistic missiles and explosive drones during the attack.
The escalation comes as the group continues retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government positions amid renewed fighting across the country.
Fighting Intensifies Near Bab el-Mandeb
Some of the heaviest battles are taking place around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have launched a major offensive aimed at reclaiming territory around the strait and the Red Sea coast from Houthi forces.
Saudi Arabia Also Faces Houthi Attacks
The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles aimed at targets including Riyadh and Khamis Mushait.
The Houthis have also claimed drone attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure, although not all of their claims have been independently confirmed.
Red Sea Shipping Route Under Pressure
The latest escalation has renewed concerns over global shipping.
Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, and prolonged conflict around the waterway could disrupt commercial traffic between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Regional Tensions
Oil markets also reacted to the renewed fighting.
Brent crude climbed above $101 per barrel on Wednesday as investors weighed the risk of supply disruption from escalating Middle East tensions alongside weather-related threats to US energy production.
Yemen Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The renewed military escalation is adding further pressure to Yemen’s already severe humanitarian situation.
Years of conflict have resulted in mass displacement, widespread economic hardship and major disruptions to essential services, while the latest offensive has forced more people from their homes.
Source – Reuters, Associated Press
Supreme News Network
