Saudi Arabia has suspended all flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a series of deadly attacks attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The attacks, which occurred over five days, resulted in 18 civilian deaths and over 300 injuries. The Saudi government has not issued public warnings before the strikes, according to reports.
The first attack struck the airport on October 7, 2026, targeting a terminal. A second attack followed three days later, hitting a security checkpoint. On October 11, a third strike damaged a vehicle near the airport. A fourth attack hit a bus near the terminal on October 14, and a fifth attack targeted a vehicle on October 18. All attacks were claimed by the Houthi rebels, who have been accused of escalating tensions in the region.
The Saudi government has not confirmed the exact number of casualties but has acknowledged the disruption to international travel. Airlines including Philippine Airlines have extended flight suspensions to November 29. The attacks have raised concerns about security in the region, with the US presidential envoy expressing condemnation over the Houthi actions.
The conflict in Yemen, which involves Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed groups, has intensified in recent months. The Houthi rebels have been accused of launching attacks on Saudi territory, including oil facilities and airports. The recent strikes mark a new escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides accusing each other of increasing hostilities. The situation remains under review as international efforts to de-escalate the crisis continue.
