A devastating attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. The Saudi-led coalition attributed the strike to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, describing it as a "full-fledged war crime." The attack targeted the airport's domestic terminal, with a diplomatic source suggesting a missile was used. Saudi authorities reported that some of the injured were in serious condition.
The attack occurred amid escalating violence between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, following the collapse of a truce. The incident has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with US President Donald Trump indicating possible American involvement in military operations against the Houthis. The situation has prompted concerns about the security of the region.
According to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority, the 12 fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. A passenger who witnessed the attack described the scene as chaotic, with many injured and people running for safety. The witness was on gate 403 when the strike hit gate 401.
Airport operations were suspended following the incident, with authorities assessing the damage. Health officials activated an emergency response to address the large number of casualties. A medical source described the situation as a "serious emergency situation." Two doctors reported that several pilgrims travelling to Mecca were among those wounded.
The attack prompted authorities to order schools across Riyadh to switch to remote learning for the second time in a month. Parents received emails citing an education ministry directive that all schools in Riyadh would switch to distance learning for the entire week. The incident has had significant repercussions for the local community.
The Saudi-led coalition's spokesman, Major General Turki al-Malki, condemned the attack and accused the Houthis of deliberately targeting civilians. Al-Malki described the incident as a "cowardly terrorist attack" that constituted a full-fledged war crime. The coalition had earlier intercepted missiles targeting Saudi Arabia and destroyed launch platforms used in the attacks.
The latest incident is the deadliest attack on Saudi soil since May 2015, when a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State militant group killed 21 worshippers at a Shia mosque in the eastern Qatif governorate. The Houthis claimed responsibility for previous attacks on the airport but had not immediately claimed responsibility for the latest strike.
Key points
- The attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries.
- The Saudi-led coalition attributed the strike to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
- The incident has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
