On Thursday morning, sounds of explosions were heard across Riyadh, prompting swift security measures. The Saudi-led coalition announced that they had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards the capital. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated that the missiles were fired by the "terrorist Houthi militia." The incident caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex, with fragments from the missiles.
The Houthi movement has repeatedly targeted Riyadh, vowing to hit critical infrastructure and disrupt Saudi airspace as their conflict escalates. The blasts were among the loudest disturbances in the capital since the broader Middle East war began. In response to the incident, diplomats stationed in the capital were instructed to shelter in place within their respective embassies. International schools also enacted safety measures, with at least one facility moving children into a basement for shelter.
Flights at King Khalid International Airport were delayed or cancelled, prompting airport authorities to urge passengers to contact airlines directly before heading to the facility. Workers in the King Abdullah Financial District reported that some companies were evacuating staff from the area. The strikes followed consecutive days of attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure, including airports in Riyadh and Abha, which resulted in the deaths of an Egyptian, an Algerian, and a Sudanese national, alongside 36 injuries.
The Saudi-led coalition vowed that the Houthi attacks "will not go unpunished." The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking Riyadh airport for the third time this week. Military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that their armed forces targeted King Khalid Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile that hit its target. Saree also called on employees at Saudi oil facilities to evacuate amid escalating hostilities.
Saree issued a warning "to airlines, airports, travelers and their staff" and urged employees at all oil facilities to leave areas that are targets for their forces, so as not to endanger their lives. The incident highlights the escalating conflict in the region, with the Houthis continuing to target Saudi infrastructure. Egypt has strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi airports, reaffirming its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian government has expressed its condolences for the victims of the Houthi attacks, including the Egyptian national who was killed. The Saudi-led coalition's interception of the missiles demonstrates its capabilities to defend against such attacks. However, the Houthis' continued targeting of Saudi infrastructure poses a significant threat to regional stability.
The incident has sparked international concern, with various countries and organizations calling for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition engaged in a protracted conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Key points
- Egypt condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.
- Saudi-led coalition intercepts two ballistic missiles over Riyadh.
- Houthis claim responsibility for attacking Riyadh airport for the third time this week.
