The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority announced the death of 3 citizens and the injury of several people following two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, noting that the first targeted its facilities, and the second targeted a Saudi Airlines plane, resulting in material damage.
A statement by the authority said on Friday that emergency teams and competent authorities began dealing with the two attacks immediately after they occurred in accordance with approved procedures and plans, adding that the injuries to people of different nationalities ranged from minor to severe, and they were immediately transferred to the hospital to receive the necessary medical care.
The authority confirmed the continuation of work - in continuous integration and coordination with the relevant security authorities - to assess the damage, and to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of travelers and workers, and to maintain the security and safety of the civil aviation system in Saudi Arabia, noting the resumption of operational operations at the airport, and the return of air traffic to normal.
For its part, “Saudi Airlines” mourned the pilot of the plane, Captain Hammoud Al-Kalthami, who died following the airport accident, recalling what he provided during his professional career in the service of the national carrier, and the good reputation he left behind among his colleagues.
The company offered its sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to the Captain’s family, relatives and colleagues, asking God to cover him with His vast mercy and forgiveness, to dwell him in spacious Paradise, and to inspire his family and lovers with patience and solace.
Saudi Airlines explained, in a statement, that the incident resulted in damage to one of its planes while it was on the airport grounds, without guests on board at the time of the incident, adding that it immediately activated emergency response procedures in coordination with the competent authorities, to deal with its repercussions, follow up on the conditions of those affected, and provide the necessary care and support for them and their families.
The company announced the return of its flights and operational operations at King Khalid International Airport to normal, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, while continuing to follow flight schedules and communicate with guests through its official channels.
Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba set three conditions for any political process to achieve peace, which are the return of institutions, confinement of weapons, the decision of war and peace in the hands of the state, and not sharing power with an armed group.
Al-Zouba confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the government has entered the stage of restoring the state after exhausting opportunities for calm, adding that the goal of the current stage is to end the coup and extend state authority over the entire national territory.
The Yemeni minister appreciated the Saudi political, military and economic support, indicating that it contributed to the steadfastness and cohesion of institutions and the strengthening of national consensus.
Al-Zuba pointed to increasing international support for Yemeni state institutions, and a broader awareness of the interconnection between its ability to extend its authority, the security of the region, and the safety of navigation.
In addition, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced the destruction of 3 ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. The fall of shrapnel resulted in material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in the Saudi capital.
