A blast was heard at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, injuring several people, reports say. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
The airport evacuated after the blast, which was heard in the domestic terminal.
More than a dozen ambulances rushed to the scene, according to Reuters, citing an eyewitness.
One eyewitness said they saw injuries at gate 401 and described people running in panic.
Doctors were asked to report to hospitals to manage the emergency, a medical source told AFP.
There has been no official confirmation of an attack, though the US embassy said it was ‘aware of attacks’ on the airport.
Key Facts
- Several people were injured in the blast at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
- More than a dozen ambulances responded to the incident.
- Three Saudis, including a pilot, were killed in previous Houthi attacks on Saudi airports on 6 and 7 October.
- Several Gulf airlines have cancelled flights to and from the airport, citing security concerns.
- The US embassy urged American citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas.
Background: Escalating Tensions
The attack comes amid a resurgence of conflict between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi-backed government forces.
The Houthis say they are targeting Saudi Arabia for its support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
They have launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and tankers in the Red Sea.
These attacks follow a maritime embargo declared by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis say they are retaliating against a Saudi-led blockade and an air strike on Sanaa airport.
Since July, the informal ceasefire between the two sides has weakened.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights growing instability in the region, particularly around critical infrastructure.
It also underscores the risks posed by ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has spilled into Saudi territory.
Flights to Riyadh have been diverted or cancelled, affecting travel and logistics for international passengers.
Security warnings from Western embassies indicate the situation remains volatile.
What to Watch Next
Further attacks on Saudi infrastructure could prompt a broader regional response.
Any escalation may affect global shipping routes through the Red Sea, especially given the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Officials may issue updated statements as investigations continue.
There is no official confirmation of the attack’s cause or perpetrators, though Houthi claims have been reported.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have not yet commented on the incident.
For more on the conflict, see the BBC’s coverage of Houthi actions in Yemen.
Original report from BBC News
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Secretary Kerry and Senator McCain Arrive at King Khaled International… by U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source
