The African Union Commission has issued a statement urging an immediate end to attacks and urgent de-escalation after a missile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing 12 and wounding 309 people. The commission condemned the strike, attributed to Yemen's Houthi militants, and reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international law. The missile hit a terminal building on Saturday, October 10, marking Saudi Arabia's deadliest attack in more than a decade.
The attack on King Khalid International Airport resulted in the cancellation of more than 600 flights at the kingdom's second-busiest airport, serving a city of about eight million residents. The airport was closed until at least late Sunday, causing significant disruptions to air travel. The fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, and one citizen each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt.
The Houthi militants, who did not directly claim the latest strike, have previously warned airlines and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace, stating that facilities remain vulnerable to further attacks. A senior Houthi official posted on X that the group had "shut down Riyadh international airport," echoing earlier statements that they would continue to target Saudi aviation in response to blockades.
The African Union's call for an immediate cessation of attacks comes amid heightened regional tensions, with several Western governments warning their citizens against traveling through Saudi airports after the strike. The AU Commission reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international law and must never be targeted.
This is the third strike on King Khalid International Airport within a week, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. The missile attack has sparked widespread concern, with many countries condemning the violence and calling for restraint.
The Kenyan government, through the African Union Commission, has joined the international community in condemning the attack and urging calm. The incident has sparked fears of further escalation, with many countries closely monitoring the situation.
The African Union has reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, and has called on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
Key points
- The African Union Commission has condemned the missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and called for urgent de-escalation.
- The attack resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including citizens of several countries, and injured 309 others.
- The African Union has urged an immediate end to attacks and called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure under international law.
