A missile strike at Riyadh’s international airport killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, according to Saudi civil aviation authorities. The attack occurred on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. A diplomatic source confirmed the attack was attributed to the Houthi rebels. Among the fatalities were four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, and one citizen each from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
The attack targeted the airport’s terminal, causing widespread damage and chaos. Emergency services reported that many of the injured were in critical condition. Saudi officials have not yet announced any arrests or confirmed the number of attackers. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have previously launched attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including oil facilities and military installations.
This incident follows a series of attacks on Saudi airports, including a similar strike on the Hodeidah airport in 2017. The Houthi rebels have repeatedly accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes in Yemen, which they claim have caused civilian casualties. In response, the United States has expressed concern over the escalating violence. President Donald Trump has suggested the U.S. May join Saudi-led strikes against the Houthis, citing the attack as a justification for renewed military action.
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015 when Saudi Arabia launched a military campaign to restore the government, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. The war has led to widespread destruction, food shortages, and a severe cholera outbreak. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of war crimes. The Riyadh airport attack has intensified pressure on regional powers to find a political resolution to the conflict.
