Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of three Saudi nationals, including a pilot. The first attack targeted airport infrastructure, while the second struck a Saudia aircraft, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority.
The attacks occurred on Friday, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Houthi group and Saudi Arabia. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have intensified their attacks on Saudi targets since launching a rapid offensive in Yemen. The strikes at Riyadh airport are among several recent incidents that have raised concerns about the growing intensity of the conflict.
This incident follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and military installations. The conflict, which began in 2015, has seen repeated clashes between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The attacks on Riyadh airport highlight the increasing risk of direct confrontation between the two sides, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
The Saudi government has condemned the attacks, calling them an act of terrorism. The Houthi group has previously denied involvement in attacks on Saudi soil, though they have claimed responsibility for several strikes on Saudi targets in Yemen. The recent attacks at Riyadh airport underscore the deepening tensions and the potential for further violence in the region.
