Handelsblatt3 hours agoWorld1 min readGermany

Middle East: Attacks on Saudi airports in Riyadh and Dammam

Quick Look

After the devastating attack on the international airport in Riyadh on Saturday, the Iran-allied Houthi rebels apparently continue to set their sights on the airport.
A fire broke out in a new attack and Saudi air defense intercepted a cruise missile.
Saudi Arabia has suspended face-to-face teaching in schools until Thursday and switched to distance learning.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The attack on the airport in Riyadh on Saturday was the worst on a US-allied Gulf state since the start of the Iran war in late February. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Tehran, Cairo, Islamabad, Berlin, Tokyo. After the devastating attack on the international airport in Riyadh on Saturday, the Houthi rebels allied with Iran apparently continue to have the airport in their sights. A fire broke out in a new attack on the airport, according to the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen. In addition, Saudi air defense intercepted a cruise missile near the airport. The Saudi authorities have now ordered that face-to-face teaching in schools be suspended until Thursday and switched to distance learning.

Saudi Arabia has also confirmed an attack on its Dammam airport. As the Kingdom's civil aviation authority announced, the possible damage at the airport is being investigated. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had previously said they had targeted the airport.

According to official figures, at least twelve people were killed and more than 300 others were injured in the attack in Riyadh on Saturday. It is the highest number of victims in an attack on the US-allied Gulf state since the start of the Iran war at the end of February. The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack in a televised speech.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Saudi Arabia will further strengthen its air defenses and may launch counterattacks on Houthi positions in Yemen.
Likely · Within days
The Houthi rebels will continue their attacks on Saudi infrastructure to put pressure on Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Likely · Within weeks

Open Questions

What is the exact number of fatalities and injuries in the renewed attack?
What damage was found at Dammam Airport?
How long will distance learning last in Saudi Arabia's schools?
Will there be further reactions from the international community to the attacks?