A deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The victims included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign residents, with two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States and Egypt among the casualties.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, was attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Saudi Arabia. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi infrastructure, including airports, as part of their broader campaign against the kingdom. In response, Saudi Arabia has launched retaliatory strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
The attack has intensified regional tensions, with the United States and other Western nations closely monitoring the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States may take military action against the Houthis following the incident. The White House has also expressed concerns over the escalating conflict and its impact on regional stability.
The Houthi attacks on Saudi airports highlight the asymmetrical nature of the conflict, with the rebels using limited resources to strike at key infrastructure. Saudi Arabia, in turn, has relied on its military and airpower to respond. The ongoing violence has raised questions about the long-term viability of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and the potential for further escalation.
The attack on Riyadh’s airport marks one of the deadliest strikes on Saudi territory in recent years. It underscores the deepening crisis in Yemen and the growing involvement of external powers in the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains divided on how to address the escalating violence.
