Insan Organization for Rights and Freedoms strongly condemns the Saudi airstrikes carried out on Monday, 13 July 2026, targeting Sana'a International Airport, which struck the airport's runway. This military escalation affects one of the country's most vital civilian facilities relied upon by millions of Yemenis, threatens the safety of civilians, and undermines efforts aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The organization expresses its profound concern that the attack occurred while an Iranian civilian aircraft was preparing to land at the airport, a situation that could have placed the lives of passengers, crew members, and airport personnel at grave risk. This incident warrants an independent international investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine responsibility.

The targeting of Sana'a International Airport, as a civilian facility, raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I of 1977, which require the protection of civilian objects and prohibit attacks that may cause unjustified harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure.

The continued targeting of civilian infrastructure, particularly airports, directly undermines the population's enjoyment of fundamental rights, foremost among them the right to freedom of movement, access to healthcare, travel for medical treatment, family reunification, and humanitarian access, amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemenis.

The organization believes that any military actions leading to the disruption of operations at Sana'a International Airport will further isolate the civilian population, exacerbate their humanitarian suffering, and undermine international efforts aimed at de-escalation and confidence-building measures, including understandings related to maintaining the airport's operation for civilian and humanitarian purposes.

In light of the international community's responsibility to protect civilians and ensure respect for international law, Insan Organization for Rights and Freedoms calls for the following:

Condemning the targeting of Sana'a International Airport as a civilian facility and taking effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such attacks.

Establishing an independent, transparent international investigation into the circumstances of the attack, identifying those responsible, and ensuring their accountability in accordance with international law.

Taking the necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilian infrastructure and to shield it from the effects of military operations, in accordance with the rules of international humanitarian law.

Guaranteeing the continued operation of Sana'a International Airport for civilian and humanitarian purposes, ensuring civilians' rights to travel, access medical treatment, freedom of movement, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.


Insan Organization for Rights and Freedoms reaffirms that the protection of civilians and civilian objects is a legal obligation binding on all parties, particularly the Saudi-led coalition supported by the United States. Respect for the rules of international humanitarian law remains a fundamental pillar for reducing civilian suffering and achieving a sustainable peace in Yemen.