Saudi Arabia has suspended international flights at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a series of attacks that killed 18 civilians and injured more than 350 people over five days. The attacks, which targeted the airport’s security checkpoints, have disrupted air travel and raised concerns about safety. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for several of the strikes, accusing Saudi Arabia of supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict.
The first attack occurred on October 7, 2026, when a bomb detonated near a security checkpoint, killing three and injuring dozens. Subsequent strikes on October 10, 12, and 15 hit similar locations, with the last attack causing the most casualties. Saudi officials have not confirmed the exact number of casualties but have described the incidents as coordinated and sophisticated. The attacks have forced the temporary closure of the airport, impacting both domestic and international travel.
The conflict in Yemen, which has seen escalating violence between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, has intensified in recent months. The Houthi group has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting Israeli military actions in the region, a claim the Saudi government has denied. The recent attacks on the airport mark a new escalation in the conflict, with both sides blaming each other for the violence. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate indication of a ceasefire or resolution.
