
AI-generated summary
The Middle East conflict continues to escalate with ongoing hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi-led coalition, regional tensions involving Iran and Israel, and significant US military presence in the area.
Houthis claim Aden airport attack as Iran denies involvement in strikes on Saudi Arabia
Last updated: October 17, 2026 | 08:29
Gulf News Report
The Middle East conflict continues to escalate as Saudi Arabia reports intercepting missiles and drones, while Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for an attack near Aden airport. US President Donald Trump has urged Riyadh to consider Israeli assistance against the Houthis, as Iran denies involvement in attacks on Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition has also announced plans to release footage of alleged Houthi weapons smuggling. Meanwhile, US Central Command says more than 50,000 American troops are deployed across the region and claims Iran faces mounting economic pressure. Washington has warned travellers in Saudi Arabia of possible airport disruptions. Follow our live coverage for the latest.
Highlights
Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter ; Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor ; Lekshmy Pavithran, Assistant Online Editor and Huda Ata, Special to Gulf News
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AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Saudi-led coalition will release footage of alleged Houthi weapons smuggling
Likely · Within days
US will maintain or increase military presence in the region
Likely · Within weeks
Houthi attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt regional travel and diplomacy. Saudi-led coalition reports casualties while international airlines suspend services amid heightened tensions.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a condolence message to Saudi King Salman over victims of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The Kuwait Fund for Development inaugurated a 6 megawatt solar power plant in Kahramanmaraş Province, Türkiye, funded by a $4 million grant as part of a $10 million package supporting refugee resilience and sustainable development. The plant will provide renewable energy for heating and cooling in camps and temporary accommodations, reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. Officials from Türkiye and Kuwait highlighted the project's role in strengthening bilateral cooperation and host community resilience.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned the country must prepare for war despite ongoing negotiations with the U.S., citing broken promises and the need for sustainable deterrence. Meanwhile, Iran has shifted military tactics in the Strait of Hormuz by using unarmed spotters in small boats after U.S. strikes degraded its radar capabilities, and is allegedly using new attack patterns to influence oil prices and U.S. midterm elections. In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels are developing an advanced ballistic missile system with Chinese components, according to Conflict Armament Research, enhancing their ability to target Saudi Arabia and Israel while signaling growing independence from Iranian control.
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi remained on stage and offered words of faith after an emergency alert interrupted his speech at the 12th Riyadh Economic Forum.
A 35-year-old Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, Nasrullah Al Badr, was killed in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh while wearing Ihram and traveling to perform Umrah with a group of 45 Bangladeshis. The attack, attributed by Saudi officials to the Houthis, resulted in 13 deaths and 309 injuries, including four Saudi citizens and eight foreign residents initially reported.