A missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 12 people and injuring 309, according to Saudi authorities. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon. The victims included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign residents, with two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The airport was closed following the attack, causing widespread flight disruptions.
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, did not claim responsibility but issued new threats against Saudi airports, excluding Mecca and Medina. They warned travelers to avoid flying. The attack comes amid ongoing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with both sides exchanging strikes on major airports.
The attack follows three previous strikes by the Houthis on Saudi airports in Yemen, highlighting the asymmetrical nature of the conflict. The United States has debated striking the Houthis, while the UN and EU have condemned the attack. Saudi Arabia faces mounting pressure to respond, with limited options available.
The situation has intensified regional tensions, with the Houthis escalating their threats and Saudi Arabia considering further military action. The attack marks the deadliest on Saudi soil in over a decade, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the conflict.
