An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The attack targeted the airport’s domestic terminal and was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthi group of the strike, vowing a strong response.
The Houthi group issued a new warning against using Saudi airports and airspace, following earlier attacks on King Khalid International Airport. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, reiterated threats against Saudi infrastructure. The attack comes amid ongoing clashes between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, with both sides exchanging strikes on major airports.
The attack occurred weeks before the WWE Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about security. The Saudi embassy in Kuwait offered bus transport to Riyadh for citizens following the incident. The attack also intensified fears in energy markets, with oil prices reaching record levels.
The Houthi group has been accused of orchestrating attacks on Saudi interests, including the bombing of a Saudi oil facility in 2019. The current conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has seen escalating violence between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition. The attack on Riyadh airport marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides targeting each other’s critical infrastructure.
The situation has drawn international attention, with European officials warning of the dangers of further escalation. The attack highlights the ongoing influence of Iran in the region and the complex dynamics of the Yemen conflict. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely for further developments.
