King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been struck by a projectile, officials say, causing a fire in one of its passenger halls. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
A projectile hit Passenger Hall No 4 at the airport, causing a fire. Saudi civil aviation authorities confirmed injuries from the incident.
This follows a previous attack on the same airport, which the Houthis claimed was responsible, and which resulted in fatalities and injuries.
The Houthis said they used ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones in the past 24 hours.
Key Facts
- The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.
- India’s embassy confirmed an Indian national died from injuries sustained in the strike.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks and confirmed a US citizen was killed.
- UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to areas within 10km of the Yemen border.
Background: The Conflict
The Houthis, an Iran-backed group in Yemen, have accused Saudi Arabia of supporting government forces in Yemen’s civil war.
They have said Saudi-led coalition forces launched an air strike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen’s capital. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed this attack, and the BBC has been unable to verify it.
After a temporary ceasefire in 2022 collapsed in July, hostilities intensified. The Houthis seized key stretches of the Red Sea coast in a rapid offensive, prompting Saudi-led strikes.
They now control about a quarter of Yemen’s territory and up to 80% of its population.
Why It Matters
These attacks represent a significant escalation in hostilities in the region.
Saudi Arabia fears the establishment of an Iranian satellite state along its southern border.
The attacks have prompted international responses. US President Donald Trump said the US would ‘make a decision’ and ‘move very quickly’ on whether to strike the Houthis.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the UK could ‘potentially’ provide more support to Saudi Arabia.
What to Watch Next
Officials are assessing the damage at Riyadh airport. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed to respond, calling the attacks a ‘war crime’.
Abdullah Al-Alimi Bawazir, vice-president of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, has called for ‘decisive actions’ from regional and international partners.
Further attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including Dammam airport and oil facilities, are possible, as the Houthis have stated they will continue ‘escalating operations deep inside Saudi Arabia’.
For more on the broader conflict, see: Riyadh Airport Attack: Escalation in Yemen-Saudi Tensions.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: CCTV vision of Houthi attacks on Saudi airport.webm by Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source
