In a significant escalation of the ongoing Yemen conflict, a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The attack has drawn international condemnation, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled it a horrific terrorist act and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He stressed the need for a united stance against terrorism to protect civilians and ensure regional security.
Following the attack, Saudi authorities confirmed that the airport was targeted again, with additional injuries reported. Damage assessments and safety checks are currently underway, and the facility remains closed as a precaution. This situation has disrupted civilian life in Riyadh, leading to the suspension of in-person classes, with schools shifting to remote learning. However, a major international energy conference in the capital is still set to proceed as planned.
The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Iran-supported Houthi movement, has been locked in an increasingly intense conflict with the rebels. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on other Saudi airports and energy installations, cautioning airlines and travelers against using Saudi airspace.
In response to the Riyadh airport attacks, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, which reportedly resulted in the death of a child and injuries to several others. Saudi authorities have not yet responded to these allegations. This ongoing conflict raises concerns over the safety of civilian infrastructure and the potential disruption of shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Further escalation could threaten regional energy supplies and international trade.
Amid these tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as worries grow about the possibility of broader regional involvement in the conflict.