In brief
Three Saudi nationals were killed and dozens wounded when Yemen’s Houthi movement launched missile attacks on Riyadh’s international airport and an aircraft for Saudia. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the casualties and noted that air traffic resumed normally after the incidents. Yemen’s Houthi spokesperson blamed the attacks on Saudi aggression, citing recent airstrikes and a maritime embargo. The raids follow earlier strikes in Abha and King Khalid airports, marking a sharp rise in violence as the Houthi offensive gains traction along the Red Sea coast.
Three Saudi nationals were killed and several others injured when Yemen’s Houthi group fired missiles at Riyadh International Airport and struck an aircraft belonging to the state carrier Saudia.
Attack details
The civil aviation authority said the first missile hit the airport itself, while the second struck the Saudia freighter. Aviation services resumed within hours after the explosions.
Casualties and injuries
Three Saudi citizens died and others of different nationalities sustained injuries. Saudia confirmed the loss of one pilot.
Houthi justification
Houthis said the strikes were retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, citing a 60‑airstrike offensive that had taken place in the last 24 hours. The group targets Iranian‑aligned infrastructure and Saudi‑run facilities.
Escalation background
The attacks follow two earlier raids on Abha and King Khalid airports, which left three people dead and 28 injured. Yemen’s Houthi control over the northern Red Sea coast has increased tension along the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a vital shipping lane.
A Saudi‑led coalition formed in 2015 to counter the Houthi‑led insurgency has seen a fragile ceasefire crumble since July, leading to renewed missile and drone assaults against Saudi targets.
