Missile strikes Riyadh airport: 14 dead, 300 injured as Houthis claim responsibility
Missile attacks on Riyadh's international airport left 14 dead and over 300 injured, with Yemen's Houthis claiming responsibility.
Two missile strikes hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, resulting in 14 fatalities and over 300 injuries. CCTV footage from inside the terminal captured the moment people scrambled for cover as one of the projectiles impacted the building.
The Houthi group in Yemen has claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they used a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The group also issued a warning to airlines and passengers, advising against the use of Saudi Arabian airports and airspace.
In addition to the Riyadh airport, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for attacks on oil facilities and Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia. A Houthi military spokesman vowed to continue "escalating operations deep inside Saudi Arabia." He specifically warned that all Saudi airports, with the exception of those in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, were considered potential targets.
The attacks represent a significant escalation of the conflict, with civilian infrastructure and international travel hubs being directly targeted. The Houthi group has been engaged in a protracted conflict with a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen for several years.
This series of strikes follows other reported attacks earlier in the week, indicating a coordinated effort to disrupt Saudi Arabia's infrastructure and international connectivity. The use of ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside drones, suggests a growing sophistication in the Houthi arsenal.
Authorities are assessing the damage to the airport and investigating the full extent of the casualties. The warnings issued by the Houthi spokesman raise concerns for the safety of air travel in the region and could lead to significant disruptions and security measures.
International reactions to the attacks are anticipated, with global bodies likely to condemn the targeting of civilian areas and international airports. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has already led to a severe humanitarian crisis, and these cross-border attacks could further complicate diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
The Houthi group's stated intention to continue operations deep within Saudi Arabia, targeting all but the holiest sites, signals a widening of the conflict's scope and a potential increase in risk for civilian populations and infrastructure across the Kingdom.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.
