AGP Executive Report

Sana’a Airport Returns to Full Service: Houthis say Sana’a International Airport is fully restored after runway repairs following airstrikes, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government had said the strikes targeted the runway to stop an Iranian-linked flight; the episode has fed fresh tit-for-tat, including claims of a missile strike on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. UN Security Council Pressure: China urged restraint at an emergency UN session, as UN officials reported an Iranian aircraft carrying a Houthi delegation was diverted to Hodeidah after the Sana’a strikes, with risks of renewed confrontation growing. Yemen-Saudi Escalation Narrative: Yemen’s foreign ministry accused Saudi Arabia of ending the “no war, no peace” phase, saying the siege on Sana’a and ports will be challenged until lifted. Red Sea Threat Looms: Reuters reports Iran asked Houthis to be ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the US strikes Iranian power infrastructure, while sources also say Houthis have deployed drones and missiles near Bab al-Mandeb. Energy Jitters: Oil prices eased as traders weighed US-Iran escalation and possible shipping disruptions through Hormuz and beyond. Public Health Alarm in Taiz: Health authorities report 600 dog-bite cases linked to rabies infections in the first half of 2026, calling for faster vaccination and treatment. Aden Protest: Thousands in Al-Mualla rallied against deteriorating services and prisoner-exchange releases they say undermine justice, signaling continued STC resistance to external interference.

Yemen Airport Stand-Off: Houthis say Sanaa International Airport is ready to resume flights after runway repairs from recent airstrikes, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government had said it struck the runway to stop an Iranian passenger aircraft linked to a Houthi delegation; the dispute has triggered wider regional anger and renewed warnings. Saudi-Houthi Escalation: The Houthis also claimed missile/drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, including Abha airport, and warned airlines against using Saudi airspace until the Sanaa airport situation improves. Regional Diplomacy: The EU Mission in Yemen condemned the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia as a dangerous escalation that endangers civilians and undermines UN-led efforts. US-Iran Pressure on Chokepoints: The US launched fresh strikes on Iranian coastal defence and missile sites after reimposing a naval blockade, as Iran warned it has no plans for talks and threatened to close “all other export corridors,” raising fears for Hormuz and beyond. Energy and Shipping Fallout: Oil prices edged up on inventory data but stayed sensitive to the Hormuz standoff; shipping firms reportedly avoided a US-guided transit scheme after attacks. Humanitarian Watch: WHO/UNICEF reported vaccination coverage improved in 2025, but millions—including in conflict-affected Yemen—remain unprotected. Food Insecurity in Yemen: FEWS NET projects Yemen’s acute food crisis will stay widespread through at least January 2027, with 15–16 million people needing assistance at peak.

Yemen–Saudi escalation: Yemen’s Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport after strikes on Sanaa airport, ending a four-year truce and prompting Saudi air defenses to intercept threats; Yemen’s armed forces also warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until the Sanaa airport “siege” is lifted, while UN officials urged de-escalation and renewed talks. Red Sea pressure point: As Iran and the US trade blows over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s IRGC warned it could shut “all other export corridors” and analysts say Houthi allies could be used to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb gateway, raising fears of wider disruption to global oil and shipping. Energy shock fears: Oil prices edged up as the US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and Iran threatened to halt regional energy exports; reports also cite warnings that oil could spike sharply if Bab el-Mandeb is targeted. UN warning on Yemen: The UN Security Council held an emergency session warning Yemen could slide into a broader cycle of escalation, stressing dialogue as the only path to protect civil aviation and prevent renewed fighting. Regional politics spillover: Separate reports say Saudi banks have blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, signaling a deepening Gulf rift that could further complicate Yemen-linked regional dynamics.

Sanaa Airport Crisis: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it struck the runway at Sanaa International Airport to block an Iranian-linked flight, while the Houthis retaliated with missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport and warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until the Sanaa blockade is lifted. UN & Diplomacy: UN officials and the UN Security Council extended Red Sea reporting and urged de-escalation, with the UN envoy calling for renewed talks after the airport strikes threatened to unravel Yemen’s fragile post-2022 calm. Regional Spillover: The Saudi-Houthi flare-up is unfolding alongside renewed US-Iran confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices jumping and shipping risks spreading toward Bab el-Mandeb. Gulf Politics: Oman condemned missile threats toward southern Saudi Arabia and urged restraint, while Türkiye backed Saudi sovereignty after Houthi missile attacks. Security Claims: The Houthis also claimed they shot down a Saudi reconnaissance drone over Al-Bayda, as both sides trade blame for the airport incidents.

Yemen–Saudi Escalation: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it bombed Sanaa airport runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing, after Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of the attack; hours later, the Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and warned airlines off Saudi airspace until the Sanaa blockade is lifted, while Saudi air defenses said they intercepted the threats. Airspace and Airport Closures: Yemen ordered airports shut nationwide after the Sanaa strike, then reopened airspace as the crisis spread; Saudi and UAE flight disruptions followed, including cancellations to Abha. UN and Regional Pushback: The UN Security Council held emergency discussions urging de-escalation and respect for Yemen’s sovereignty, as Oman condemned missile threats against Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia while calling for restraint. Hormuz Energy Shock: The Yemen flare-up comes as US-Iran tensions intensify in the Strait of Hormuz, with oil jumping to a four-week high amid renewed blockade talk and attacks on tankers. Fact Check: A viral claim that shows Houthi damage at Abha was debunked as an older 2022 attack on a Saudi Aramco site. Public Health: Rabies cases are rising sharply in Yemen, with shortages of antiserum and medication reported in multiple provinces.

Yemen–Saudi Escalation: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it struck the runway of Sanaa International Airport to stop an Iranian plane carrying a senior Houthi delegation from landing; Houthis say Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa airport, then declared the de-escalation phase over and warned airlines off Saudi airspace. Cross-border Retaliation: Hours later, Houthis fired ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport, while Saudi air defenses said they intercepted the threat. Airspace Disruptions: Yemen temporarily suspended civilian flights and closed airports under government control, then reopened airspace after the crisis. Regional Shockwaves: The Yemen flare-up comes as the US and Iran trade escalating strikes and the US reinstates a naval blockade tied to Strait of Hormuz transit fees, pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of wider conflict. Diplomatic Push: The UN envoy for Yemen urged restraint and warned of wider escalation risk as the UN Security Council met urgently.

Airport Escalation: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says its forces targeted the runway at Sana’a International Airport to stop an Iranian plane from landing, while Houthi officials and media accuse Saudi Arabia of airstrikes on the airport and vow retaliation, with both sides claiming the move ends de-escalation. Diplomatic Fallout: Sana’a-based Yemen’s Foreign Ministry warns the Saudi “aggression” marks a new war phase and says Riyadh will face “major strategic deadlock” and costs. Southern Pushback: The Southern Transitional Council (STC) staged mass protests across southern provinces rejecting prisoner-exchange lists that include people convicted of assassinations and terrorism-linked crimes, calling for escalation to protect southern aspirations. Seismic Update: A 4.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Lahj’s Radfan district; authorities reported no casualties or widespread damage. Gulf Rifts: Separate reporting says Saudi banks have blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, adding pressure to already tense Saudi-UAE ties.

Gulf Tensions and Yemen’s Frontlines: Yemen’s Foreign Ministry warned Saudi Arabia that the years of blockade are over, saying any attempt to keep pressure on Sana’a International Airport will bring consequences. Prisoner Exchange Standoff: The Yemeni Center for Human Rights condemned the Saudi-American-Emirati coalition for reneging on UN-brokered prisoner exchange understandings after Red Cross and UN preparations were completed. Water Security Push: Acting PM Mohammed Miftah ordered a national water strategy to curb groundwater over-extraction, warning solar-powered pumps are draining Yemen’s basins and threatening stability. Education Update: Sana’a announced 2025–2026 high school results with an 88.12% overall passing rate. Imam Zaid Commemorations: Events across Sana’a governorate marked Imam Zaid’s martyrdom, with speeches linking the anniversary to steadfastness against aggression. Regional Politics: Yemen reaffirmed support for Iran, saying US-Israeli aggression will fail and that Sana’a coordinates with Tehran on regional developments. Gulf Economy Watch: Reports say Saudi banks have blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, raising fears of a widening Saudi-UAE rift.

Yemen Prisoners: The UN envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, says both the internationally recognized government and the Houthis have renewed commitments to implement the May prisoner exchange after it was postponed, urging parties to finish remaining technical and operational steps with the ICRC. Humanitarian Transfers: The ICRC says it is fully prepared to facilitate detainee transfers under the Amman agreement, including logistics, medical care, and family reunification. Ansarullah Vows: Ansarullah leaders renewed vows to break Yemen’s sea, land, and air siege, warning that any aggression will be met with a swift response. Local Mobilization: In Amran, Uzr tribes announced general mobilization and readiness to defend Yemen and end the aggression and blockade. Population Focus: Yemen marked World Population Day in Sana’a with the launch of the 2026 State of Population Report, highlighting how conflict and blockade have hit health, education, and youth prospects. Regional Ripple: A report also points to rising pressures from the wider Gulf crisis, with Yemen’s humanitarian and economic strain continuing to deepen.

Prisoner Exchange: UN envoy Hans Grundberg says Yemen’s government and the Houthis have reaffirmed their commitment to a May prisoner release after a scheduled exchange failed, urging both sides to finish remaining technical steps for releasing 1,600+ detainees. Mobilization & Rallies: On Imam Zayd’s martyrdom anniversary, mass crowds and women’s events across Sana’a, Hajjah, Amran, Ibb, Bayda, Lahj, Hodeida, Taiz and other areas backed the armed forces’ statement, calling to end the blockade and aggression and warning against attacks on Yemen’s airports. Sana’a-Iran Talks: Acting Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah met Iran’s ambassador Ali Rezaei, discussing ways to deepen Yemen-Iran cooperation and reiterating solidarity amid regional tensions. World Population Day: Yemen’s National Population Council marked World Population Day in Sana’a, launching the 2026 State of Population Report and warning conflict and blockade have hit health, education and youth prospects. Health Watch: Reports highlight a cholera resurgence in Yemen, with Taiz hospitals seeing severe cases as the fragile healthcare system struggles.

Imam Zaid Anniversary Mobilization: Yemenis across Houthi-held provinces staged mass rallies on Friday—Sana’a, Ibb, Bayda, Lahj, Hodeida, Taiz and others—marking Imam Zaid bin Ali’s martyrdom and backing the armed forces’ latest statement, with repeated calls to end the blockade and aggression and warnings to Saudi Arabia over alleged airspace violations. Prisoner Swap Stalled: Yemen’s internationally recognized government said a UN- and ICRC-backed prisoner exchange with the Houthis, due to start Saturday, was postponed indefinitely after Houthi stalling, while the STC in Hadramout condemned any inclusion of convicted terrorists. Red Sea Economic Pressure: A UN-linked report says Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports have deteriorated, driving losses of over $1.4 billion and pushing the group to intensify taxation and asset seizures, worsening food and livelihood risks. Antibiotic Misuse Warning: Yemen’s Health Ministry highlighted rising dangers from irrational antibiotic use, warning that sales without prescriptions and incomplete courses are fueling antibiotic resistance. Humanitarian/Regional Notes: 15 missing Yemeni fishermen were found in Eritrea after three months and are reportedly returning home; meanwhile, Yemen saw a sharp June rise in African migrant arrivals, with Djibouti as the main departure point.

Yemen-Houthis Prison Swap: Yemen’s internationally recognized government has indefinitely postponed a UN-brokered prisoner exchange with the Houthis, citing Houthi stalling and growing tribal opposition in Aden. Yemen Security Mobilization: The Houthis announced a broad mobilization across northern provinces, expanding training and defensive preparations and warning of possible Saudi-linked strikes and wider Red Sea escalation. Maritime Governance: Yemen is moving ahead with a roadmap for a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden, aiming to strengthen coordination and maritime awareness with IMO support. Social Spending Oversight: ESCWA and Yemen’s ministries launched a Social Expenditure Monitor initiative to improve tracking of social spending and help budgets reach people most in need. Red Sea/US-Iran Tensions: Sana’a condemned renewed US attacks on Iran and warned that any use of foreign bases to target “the axis of resistance” would trigger responses across the region. Humanitarian Aid: UN Women warned that US aid cuts could leave at least one million women and girls in conflict zones, including Yemen, without critical services. Regional Context: Turkey detained nearly 20,000 Afghan migrants in the first half of 2026, with Yemen among the nationalities listed among detained groups.

Yemen-US Tensions: Sana’a warned that US strikes on Iran breach a ceasefire and cautioned countries hosting US bases that allowing their territory to be used risks turning West Asia into an active combat zone. Maritime Security: Yemen advanced plans for a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden, with IMO support, aiming to improve maritime awareness and inter-agency coordination under regional frameworks. Social Spending Oversight: ESCWA-backed work in Aden launched steps to implement a Social Expenditure Monitor to track whether Yemen’s public social spending reaches people in need. Quality and Industry: Yemen’s Standards Authority carried out factory inspection campaigns in Taiz and Sana’a, checking compliance, sampling products for lab testing, and preparing violations for legal action. Tribal Mobilization: Tribes across Amran, Taiz (Jabal Habashi), Hajjah and other areas declared general readiness to end “aggression” and blockade, pledging support for missile, air and naval forces. Humanitarian Health: A UN health rights expert called for the immediate release of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya and detained health workers.

Red Sea & Yemen Security: In Aden, protesters rallied outside the ICRC over prisoner-exchange names they say are linked to al-Qaeda, demanding transparency and no extremist legitimization. Maritime Incidents: Near Aden’s Al-Mualla port, a fishing boat fire triggered an emergency response; separately, Eritrean naval forces seized a Yemeni fishing boat near Mokha, leaving the owner without his livelihood. Humanitarian & Health: Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas face worsening hunger and port losses, while reports also highlight dengue deaths and cases rising in Yemen’s first half of 2026. Regional Shipping Pressure: Maersk says it will restart Middle East–U.S. shipping via the Suez Canal, signaling cautious route returns amid ongoing Red Sea risks. Diplomacy & Migration: A UN-linked update says nearly 100,000 irregular migrants entered Yemen in the first half of 2026, underscoring Yemen’s role as a transit hub despite conflict and hardship. Global Backdrop: Renewed U.S.-Iran tensions are again raising oil-price jitters and fears for chokepoints like Hormuz—risks that spill into Yemen’s maritime environment.

Yemen Conflict Watch: Fresh clashes between Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces and the Houthis have reignited fears the 2022 truce could unravel, with reinforcements and “maximum readiness” orders reported after fighting on the Hodeidah fronts. Humanitarian Pressure: A WFP/FAO report says hunger is worsening in Yemen, with 62% of households struggling to meet minimum food needs in May 2026 and severe deprivation rising to 36%, while Red Sea port degradation is blamed for major revenue losses. Public Health: Yemen’s government-controlled areas recorded more than 5,700 dengue cases and 30 deaths in the first half of 2026, with officials warning the rainy season could accelerate spread. Diplomacy & Politics: Yemen’s House of Representatives urged Arab and foreign parliaments to push Saudi Arabia to honor commitments and implement the roadmap, rejecting claims that Sana’a refused to sign it. Regional Links: Egypt and Yemen discussed efforts to secure the release of Egyptian sailors kidnapped off Somalia, following a call between their foreign ministers. Air Connectivity: FlyAden launched a new once-weekly Aden–Dammam route, expanding Yemen’s limited international links.

Humanitarian Aid: Yemen’s aid reach remains fragile but still growing: OCHA says 7.32 million vulnerable people received life-saving help in the first five months of 2026, while the Humanitarian Response Plan is funded at just 12.8% of the $2.16bn needed. Health Crisis: In Ibb, diabetic patients face an insulin shortage after local warehouses run empty for months, with allegations of diversion and black-market sales. Disease Watch: Yemen recorded over 5,700 dengue cases and 30 deaths in government-controlled areas in H1 2026, with officials warning the rainy season could drive a surge. Blockade & Sovereignty: Yemen’s government renewed demands for the Saudi-led blockade to be lifted and accused Saudi forces of trying to block an Iranian plane at Sana’a airport carrying more than 200 Yemeni nationals, including patients. Maritime Pressure: As Red Sea security remains tense, major carriers signal a gradual return to Suez Canal routes, while international shipping continues to adjust to the wider Middle East escalation. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Yemen discussed efforts to free Egyptian sailors kidnapped off Somalia, pledging to speed up their release and ensure safety.