A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. The attack occurred on Saturday and targeted the main international airport in the Saudi capital. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the casualties, noting that four were Saudi citizens and eight were foreign residents, including two Bangladeshis.
The Houthi group, based in Yemen and backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. The strike marked a significant escalation in their campaign against Saudi Arabia, which has been a key U.S. Ally. Saudi Arabia responded by closing King Khalid International Airport and moving schools in Riyadh online. The closure was extended into Sunday as the kingdom prepared for potential further attacks.
The attack followed a breakdown of a truce between the Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government backed by Riyadh. Since July, the group has launched a series of strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including airports. This latest attack is the deadliest to hit Saudi Arabia in a decade, according to NBC News. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, warned of continued threats against Saudi airports and airspace.
The incident has intensified tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, with the Saudi coalition vowing a “decisive” response. The attack also drew condemnation from Bangladesh, which criticized the Houthi strike as a “deadly” act. The situation underscores the ongoing conflict in the region, with both sides continuing to exchange strikes on critical infrastructure.
