A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed twelve people and injured 309 others, including a U.S. Citizen, on Saturday. The attack targeted a passenger terminal, marking one of the deadliest strikes on Saudi soil in over a decade. Four of the fatalities were Saudi nationals, while others were from various countries.
The Saudi-led coalition confirmed it intercepted and destroyed the missile before it could strike its intended target. The attack has intensified regional tensions, with Arab and international leaders condemning the Houthi militia. The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has also expressed disapproval of the escalating violence in Yemen.
The Houthi group, based in Yemen, has been accused of launching numerous attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and military installations. This incident follows reports of previous strikes, including shelling that injured children in southwestern Yemen. The attacks have prompted several airlines, including Qatar Airways, to suspend flights to Riyadh and Dammam.
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has seen the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, clash with Saudi Arabia and its allies. The Houthi militia has recently acquired advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, which they claim are more accurate and faster than previous models.
The Saudi government has warned of a “swift, painful response” if the U.S. Becomes involved in the conflict. The attack on Riyadh airport has further complicated diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.
