A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The attack occurred on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the attack, which targeted a critical civilian infrastructure.
The Houthi group issued a statement following the attack, asserting readiness for reciprocal measures against Saudi Arabia to ensure airports, seaports, and other humanitarian facilities remain outside the scope of military confrontation. This declaration underscores the rebels’ strategy of targeting strategic locations to pressure the Saudi-led coalition.
The attack comes after a four-year ceasefire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels collapsed. The truce had been established following a Houthi attack on an oil facility near Jeddah’s Formula One track during a practice session. The resumption of hostilities highlights the deepening tensions in the region, with both sides escalating their military actions.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, with Pakistan among the nations expressing strong disapproval of the attack. The United States has also been called upon to consider joining Saudi strikes against the Houthi rebels, as the attack has raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure in the region.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2015, continues to impact not only Yemen but also neighboring countries through cross-border attacks and military operations. The recent strike on Riyadh airport exemplifies the growing risk of civilian casualties and the increasing complexity of the regional conflict.
