A missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 11, 2026, killing 12 people and injuring 309, according to Saudi authorities. The attack targeted the airport’s domestic terminal. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the casualties, noting four Saudi citizens and eight foreign residents were among the dead.
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident follows a series of strikes by both sides on each other’s airports. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attack, vowing a decisive response against the Houthi rebels. The attack has intensified tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
This is the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in over a decade. The Houthi rebels have been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia since 2015. The attack on Riyadh’s airport comes amid a broader escalation of hostilities. The Saudi embassy in Kuwait offered bus transport to Riyadh for citizens affected by the attack.
The attack has disrupted travel between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with Air Cairo suspending flights to Riyadh. The U.S. And other countries are reviewing military options against the Houthi group. The situation has raised concerns about regional stability.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced people. The Houthi rebels have been accused of using civilian infrastructure in attacks. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks on its territory, including on airports and military installations. The current escalation marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict.
