The King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh became the target of a deadly attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The strike on Saturday, October 10, killed 13 people and wounded 308 others, according to Saudi authorities. A fresh incident occurred the following day when a projectile hit Terminal 4, sparking a fire. One person died and 11 others were injured, Saudi officials said.
The Houthi claim of responsibility
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had targeted Riyadh airport using missiles and drones. He also claimed attacks on Dammam airport and Saudi oil facilities. The group warned airlines not to use the kingdom’s airports or airspace.
Saudi authorities stated that their air defenses intercepted some projectiles. However, they confirmed that a projectile struck a passenger hall in Riyadh, where a fire broke out. The airport suspended operations to allow damage assessment and security inspections.
Escalation in the Yemeni conflict
The Houthis justify their attacks by citing Riyadh’s support for Yemeni government forces and Saudi-led strikes in Yemen. In recent months, fighting has intensified after an offensive by Saudi-backed forces and the resumption of strikes against Houthi positions. The group says its operations against the kingdom are a response to this intervention.
Saudi Arabia, for its part, views the shelling of its territory as a direct threat to its population and infrastructure. The spokesman for the Riyadh-led coalition condemned the attack, while authorities tightened security measures around the targeted sites.
Impact on travelers
The temporary closure of the airport and the inspections led to air traffic disruptions, with flight delays and cancellations. Authorities and several diplomatic missions urged travelers to follow security instructions and check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Beyond the human toll, these attacks highlight the risks of the Yemeni conflict spilling over into Saudi territory. They also raise fears of further strikes against airports and strategic infrastructure in the kingdom, as calls for de-escalation multiply.
