A missile attack hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing three people, including a Saudia pilot. The attack, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, occurred on Thursday. Saudi authorities confirmed the casualties, with one Sudanese national also among the dead.
The strikes forced passengers to evacuate and halted outgoing flights. Witnesses reported that firefighters battled flames from a damaged Saudia Airlines aircraft. Footage showed the plane engulfed in fire, with thick smoke rising from the airport.
The Houthi militia said the attack targeted Saudi sovereignty, calling it a retaliation for Saudi military actions in Yemen. Saudi officials condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law. The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the attack on two separate locations at the airport.
This follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including a previous strike on the same airport that injured several people. The rebels have increasingly targeted Saudi airports and military sites, escalating tensions in the region.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which has seen frequent cross-border attacks. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the rebels in Yemen since 2015, leading to a protracted and deadly conflict.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of air travel in the region and the potential for further escalation. As investigations continue, the situation remains volatile.
