The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that two separate attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. The attacks, attributed to Houthi aggression, resulted in several injuries and fatalities among citizens and foreign residents. According to GACA, emergency teams and competent authorities responded promptly to both incidents, following approved procedures and plans.
The attack on Abha International Airport resulted in two fatalities, a Moroccan and an Algerian woman, and 28 injuries, including two foreign residents from Bangladesh and the Philippines. The injuries ranged from minor to severe. The incident also caused some material damage. GACA stated that all injured individuals were immediately transferred to the hospital to receive necessary medical care.
The second attack, on King Khalid International Airport, resulted in one fatality, a Sudanese resident, and eight injuries, including five citizens, two Egyptian residents, and one Pakistani resident. The injuries in this incident also ranged from minor to severe. GACA confirmed that all injured individuals received prompt medical attention.
GACA is working in close coordination with relevant security agencies to assess damages and take necessary measures to ensure passenger and worker safety. The authority is committed to maintaining the security and safety of the civil aviation system in the Kingdom. The attacks caused some material damage, which is being evaluated.
The Egyptian residents injured in the King Khalid International Airport attack are among those receiving medical care. Egypt's government has not released an official statement on the incident. However, the Saudi authorities' swift response and coordination with relevant agencies aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Houthi attacks on Saudi airports have raised concerns about regional security. The incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among countries in the region to prevent such attacks. Saudi Arabia has been a target of Houthi aggression in the past, with various incidents reported in recent years.
GACA's efforts to assess damages and implement safety measures are ongoing. The authority's commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and workers is unwavering. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in the aviation sector.
Key points
- Two Egyptian residents were among those injured in the King Khalid International Airport attack.
- The attacks on Abha and King Khalid International Airports resulted in a total of three fatalities and dozens of injuries.
- GACA is working closely with security agencies to assess damages and ensure the safety of passengers and workers.