Saudi Arabia: Fresh Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills 1; Dammam also targeted
Quick Look
- One person was killed and 11 injured in a Houthi-claimed attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, following a Saturday strike that killed 13 and injured over 300.
- Saudi air defenses intercepted multiple projectiles, while Dammam airport also suffered a strike.
- The death toll from airport attacks rose to 18 over the week, including Indian national Mohammed Yousuf, 46.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have been engaged in a conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The group has frequently targeted Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities, as part of its campaign. Saturday's strike on Riyadh airport killed 13 people, including four Saudi nationals and nine foreign nationals.
One person was killed and 11 others injured in a fresh attack on Riyadh's international airport on Sunday, Saudi authorities said, a day after a strike claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels killed 13 people and injured more than 300. Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, triggering a fire. Saudi air defences also intercepted a cruise missile near the airport, destroyed a drone in the Eastern Province and intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards Khamis Mushait. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority confirmed a strike on Dammam airport late Sunday, saying damage assessments and safety inspections were under way. An eyewitness aboard an aircraft taxiing at Dammam airport told Reuters that a projectile struck the tarmac near several parked aircraft at around 8.30pm local time, triggering a fire. The aircraft returned to the gate, and passengers were asked to disembark and leave the area. The death toll from attacks on Saudi airports rose to 18 over the week. Saturday's strike on Riyadh airport killed 13 people, including four Saudi nationals, while the remaining victims were foreign nationals, Saudi authorities said. Indian national Mohammed Yousuf, 46, was among those killed. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack in a televised address on Sunday. He also said the group had targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the Eastern Province, and two facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco. Earlier on Sunday, the Houthis renewed their warning against the use of Saudi airports, saying Riyadh would be responsible for any failed interceptions. Britain's embassy in Saudi Arabia advised its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and all airports in the kingdom except Medina airport. US aviation authorities also issued a notice urging American airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Saudi Arabia will enhance airport security and air defense measures in response to the attacks.
Very likely · Within days
The Houthis will continue to threaten and potentially carry out attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What type of projectile struck Terminal 4 at Riyadh airport?
- What is the extent of damage at Dammam airport?
- Will the Houthis continue targeting Saudi airports?
- How will Saudi Arabia respond to the latest attacks?
