18 Killed in Houthi Strikes on Riyadh Airport as Saudi Arabia Prepares Multiple Scenarios

Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 18 people and injured hundreds, prompting Saudi Arabia to prepare for multiple scenarios while vowing a serious response and committing to uninterrupted energy supplies. [2]

Overview of the Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports

Houthi strikes hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on consecutive days. [3] Saturday’s Houthi strike on the airport initially killed 12 and injured 309, Saudi authorities said. [3] The death toll from that strike later rose to 13. [3] Another strike on Sunday killed one and injured 11. [3] The combined attacks left 18 people dead overall. [2] Operations at the airport faced disruption from the strikes. [1] Saudi authorities reported the casualty figures directly from the incidents at the facility. [3]

Saudi Government Response and Preparedness

Saudi Arabia prepared for various scenarios amid the Houthi attacks. [1] Information Minister Salman Al-Dosari says life continues normally as attacks disrupt airport operations. [1] Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the country had been tested but would mount a serious response after the string of attacks. [2] The energy minister emphasized that the kingdom remained committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies under all circumstances. [3] He stated that Saudi Arabia was like a phoenix that rises from the ashes every time, again and again, and no one can break its resolve. [3] The information minister noted that daily routines in the kingdom proceed without major interruption despite the airport disruptions. [1] Officials indicated readiness across multiple contingency plans while maintaining public services. [1]

Houthi strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed 18 people and injured hundreds. — Source: france24

Yemeni Ambassador’s Assessment of the Houthis

Yemen’s ambassador to France Riyad Yassin Abdallah says that the Iran-backed Houthis are thriving and surviving by creating war. [2] The ambassador made the assessment during an interview with FRANCE 24. [2] He described the group’s approach as one that sustains its position through ongoing conflict. [2] The remarks came in the context of recent attacks attributed to the Houthis on Saudi territory. [2]

Regional and Global Energy Security Concerns

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Downstream Energy and Transition Bahlil Lahadalia warned that fighting involving Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia is disrupting global energy logistics and threatening energy security. [3] Tensions involving Iran, the United States, Israel and now the Houthis in Saudi Arabia will further worsen global logistics and energy security, he said. [3] Bahlil noted that it was impossible to predict when the geopolitical tensions would end. [3] To protect Indonesia's energy supply, particularly fuel, Bahlil said he has been lobbying various countries, including those in Africa. [3] Indonesia aims to secure oil from any available source, provided purchases are cost-effective and comply with applicable regulations. [3] Ensuring national energy security remains the government’s top priority, Bahlil said. [3] Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, particularly near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. [3]

Saudi Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia warns of Houthi-Saudi conflict threat to energy security. — Source: antaranews

International Reactions

Japan condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and urged immediate de-escalation. [4] Indonesia also expressed concern over the airport attacks in Saudi Arabia and rising civilian casualties in Yemen. [4] The Japanese statement called for an end to the escalation following the strikes. [4] Indonesian officials voiced worry about the impact on civilians amid the ongoing exchanges. [4]

Broader Context of the Yemen Conflict

Saudi Arabia has launched a series of strikes against the Houthis in support of Yemeni government forces fighting the Iran-backed group. [3] The conflict involves Yemen's Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. [3] Fighting has intensified particularly near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. [3] Saudi officials have framed their actions as backing the recognized Yemeni authorities against the Houthis. [3]

What to watch next: Saudi Arabia has signaled it will mount a serious response while remaining committed to energy supply continuity under all circumstances, as Indonesia continues efforts to secure alternative fuel sources amid warnings of further threats to global logistics near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.