A projectile struck a passenger terminal at Riyadh’s international airport, igniting a fire. The attack, claimed by the Iran-backed Houthi group, marks the deadliest assault on the airport in a decade. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
President Trump warned the U.S. May join Saudi Arabia in retaliatory strikes against the Houthis following the attack. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, issued a new threat against Saudi airports and airspace, escalating regional hostilities. The group has previously targeted the same airport, escalating its campaign against Saudi infrastructure.
The attack comes weeks before the WWE Crown Jewel event, drawing attention to the growing threat of militant groups targeting Saudi aviation. The Houthi group, based in Yemen, has been accused of orchestrating multiple attacks on Saudi soil, including a deadly assault on the King Khalid International Airport in 2019.
The U.S. And Saudi Arabia have been coordinating military responses to Houthi activities, with Washington recently approving a diesel supply deal with Russia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the deal, feeling betrayed by the U.S. Decision to bypass his country in negotiations.
The attack on Riyadh’s airport underscores the complex geopolitical landscape involving Iran, the U.S. And regional actors. The Houthi group, supported by Iran, continues to challenge Saudi security, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
