12 Killed and 309 Wounded in Houthi Missile Strike on Riyadh Airport
Deadly Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport
Saudi Arabia has said at least 12 people were killed and 309 others wounded in a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh on Saturday. [1] The dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt. [1] At the latest count, at least 309 people were wounded, with several in critical condition and receiving hospital treatment. [3] The strike also caused property damage at the airport. [1] Hospitals in Riyadh received large numbers of casualties, some transported by ambulance and helicopter. [3] The attack marked the deadliest strike in the kingdom in more than a decade. [3]
Third Attack in a Week
The assault was the third Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport this week. [1] Houthi attacks on the airport on Thursday killed at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot. [1] The two previous incidents also caused casualties and significant damage to a Saudi commercial aircraft. [3] The latest strike occurred without warning, and Saudi Arabia’s threat-warning system had not issued an alert. [3] The head of the Houthi media office posted on X that the group had “shut down Riyadh international airport.” [1]
Saudi Coalition Vows Decisive Response
The Saudi-led coalition described the attack as a “full-fledged war crime.” [1] Spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Malki said the coalition would “respond decisively to this terrorist attack in accordance with the Customary International Humanitarian Law.” [1] The coalition did not immediately provide details of possible retaliatory action. [3] Al-Malki also confirmed a separate incident, stating that a projectile fell in the vicinity of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. [1]
US Considers Joining Strikes Against Houthis
US President Donald Trump described the attack as “terrible” and said he was evaluating whether the United States should join Saudi Arabia in striking the Houthis. [1] Trump said he plans to call Saudi Prime Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. [2] Trump told reporters: “We may. We’re going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly.” [5] US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks on the airport, saying they “demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life.” [5]
Context of Renewed Yemen Fighting
The attacks come as fighting intensified in Yemen after the collapse of a ceasefire. [1] Forces loyal to the country’s internationally recognised government have launched an offensive against Houthi-held areas. [1] The Houthis have expanded attacks on Saudi targets and threatened commercial aviation. [3] The escalation has raised concerns about regional shipping and energy security, particularly around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. [3] The Houthis have declared Saudi airspace a zone of military operations and warned airliners to avoid it, except over the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. [1]
International Reactions and Travel Warnings
Qatar condemned the attack, describing it as “a direct threat to the security of the region.” [1] Egypt, Jordan and Oman also expressed sympathy and solidarity with Saudi Arabia. [1] UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, reiterating that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law. [5] Western embassies in Riyadh, including those of the US, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, advised citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas. [1] Operations at the airport were temporarily suspended, with flights diverted. [3]
What to watch next: Trump has indicated he will make a decision on possible US involvement after speaking with Saudi leadership, while the Saudi-led coalition has pledged a decisive response under international humanitarian law.
