A deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, prompting Saudi authorities to suspend operations at the facility. The attack targeted the airport’s domestic terminal, according to the Saudi-led coalition, which blamed Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, is accused of orchestrating the strike.
The incident followed a four-year ceasefire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, which collapsed after the group attacked an oil facility near Jeddah’s Formula One track. The Saudi-led coalition vowed a decisive response to the attack, signaling a potential resumption of military operations against the rebels.
The United States has raised its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, urging American citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. And Iran, with Washington debating whether to escalate strikes against the Houthi group.
Iraq, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have also condemned the attack, calling for accountability. Saudi officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, but multiple reports indicate a significant loss of life. Health officials activated an emergency response, mobilizing doctors to treat the injured.
The attack has raised concerns about the security of major infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, particularly as the country prepares to host international events. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict in the region, where proxy wars between regional powers continue to impact civilian populations.
