A missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, killing 12 people and injuring over 300, according to Saudi aviation authorities. The attack targeted a terminal building and occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the casualties, stating four of the victims were Saudi citizens. The remaining eight were foreign residents, including two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and the United Kingdom. The attack followed a series of clashes between the Houthi group and Saudi forces.
The Houthi group, which is backed by Iran, has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the group warned against using Saudi airports and airspace, escalating its campaign against Saudi infrastructure. The attack comes amid ongoing military operations in the region, with both sides exchanging strikes on key targets.
The incident has prompted international reactions. Canada has issued travel warnings for its citizens, advising against visiting parts of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi embassy in Kuwait has arranged buses to repatriate citizens following flight cancellations due to the attack.
The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in Saudi Arabia in recent months. It follows a pattern of Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, with the group accusing Saudi Arabia of supporting Yemen’s government. The conflict, which began in 2015, has resulted in thousands of casualties and drawn in regional and global powers.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to escalate hostilities. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, as the conflict continues to impact regional stability.
