Saudi Arabia attacks an international airport in Yemen

The fighting in Yemen has repeatedly spilled across borders, with attacks affecting airports and other civilian-linked sites. In recent reporting, international attention has focused on whether strikes hit protected civilian objects and how warning and targeting decisions were made.

Human Rights Watch has argued that airport attacks—where civilian aircraft, passengers, and facilities are affected—may be unlawful and should be investigated as potential war crimes. It has pointed to damage to airport operations, disruption to passenger travel and humanitarian access, and the risk to civilians gathered at facilities at the time of strikes.

The group’s calls come alongside ongoing international pressure for accountability in Yemen, where multiple incidents involving airports and civilian infrastructure have been documented over the course of the conflict.