Yemen's internationally recognized government struck Houthi-controlled Sanaa airport on July 13, its biggest flare-up in years with the rebels. The government said it targeted the airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, after failing to convince a Houthi delegation returning from Tehran to board a Yemenia flight instead. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of "ending the de-escalation phase" and warned of retaliation.