diff --git a/.github/workflows/backport.yml b/.github/workflows/backport.yml
index 5fc250718..b3e0cf919 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/backport.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/backport.yml
@@ -91,5 +91,7 @@ jobs:
               });
             }
       - name: Fail when a backport needs intervention
-        if: steps.backport.outputs.was_successful != 'true'
+        if: >
+          steps.backport.outputs.was_successful_by_target != '' &&
+          steps.backport.outputs.was_successful != 'true'
         run: exit 1