Houthis Claim Responsibility for Deadly Strike on Riyadh Airport Killing 13
Latest Airport Strike in Riyadh
A projectile struck Terminal 4 of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, causing a fire. [1] One person was killed and 11 others were wounded in the attack. [2] Saudi air defenses intercepted a cruise missile in the vicinity of the airport. [4] They also intercepted a drone in the Eastern Province and a ballistic missile launched toward Khamis Mushait. [1] Emergency alerts were issued in Abha early on Monday, though the danger passed. [4] The strikes have exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi defense capabilities amid the kingdom's air campaign against the Houthis. [5]
Deadly Saturday Attack and Victim Details
Saturday's attack on the same airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. [1] The dead included four Saudis and nine foreign nationals, among them one American. [2] Footage showed religious pilgrims lined up at a gate as a bright orange flash sent people running in panic, with parts of the roof appearing to cave in. [4] The airport was closed after the attack and the closure was later extended through Monday. [1] An Indian embassy statement noted that one of its citizens died on Sunday after being wounded the day before. [2]
Houthi Claims and Warnings
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack in a televised speech on Sunday. [1] The group also said it had struck Dammam's King Fahd International Airport and two Saudi Aramco facilities. [4] Saudi authorities confirmed a projectile hit the tarmac at Dammam airport, causing a fire. [5] The Houthis renewed their warning against using Saudi airports and stated that Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions. [1] They added that unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come. [4]
Saudi Military Response in Yemen
Saudi Arabia conducted 124 air strikes in Yemen in the prior 24 hours. [1] The coalition has stepped up its involvement by backing a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast. [2] The coalition called Saturday's attack a full-fledged war crime and vowed to respond decisively. [2] Saudi-supported government forces have been advancing in their counteroffensive around the Bab al-Mandab strait. [2]
International Reactions and Travel Advisories
US President Donald Trump said the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes on the Houthis. [1] Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was ready to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. [4] Britain's embassy advised British citizens against all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and all airports in the kingdom except the airport in Medina. [1] US aviation authorities issued a notice to US airlines to use caution while flying to or over the kingdom. [4] The United Nations and leaders around the world, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the attack. [2]
Impact on Travel, Schools, and Events
Flight-tracking data showed several delays and cancellations at Dammam airport on Sunday. [1] Riyadh schools shifted to remote learning from Sunday until Thursday. [4] A five-day WPC Energy conference opened as planned at a convention center about 10 km from the Riyadh airport. [1] A ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum also went ahead. [4] German officials were trying to organize a return flight for economy minister Katherina Reiche, whose Monday departure from Riyadh appeared likely to be affected. [1]
What to watch next: The Houthis have warned that worse is yet to come unless Saudi operations in Yemen stop, while the coalition has vowed a decisive response and the United States has left open the possibility of joining strikes against the group.
