A devastating attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday has resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, according to Saudi Arabian authorities. The attack, attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels, is the deadliest incident in the kingdom in over a decade. The victims include four Saudi nationals, as well as citizens from Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Argentina, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, involved a missile that struck the airport, causing widespread panic and destruction. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with people running for cover and emergency services rushing to the scene. The airport's operations were suspended, and nearby schools were closed for a week, with classes transitioning to online learning.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been engaged in a longstanding conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen. The rebels have claimed responsibility for previous attacks on Saudi targets, including the airport. The Saudi-led coalition has condemned the attack as a "war crime" and vowed to respond with force.
The incident has sparked international condemnation, with the United Nations' special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, denouncing the attack as a "grave escalation." Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif also strongly condemned the attack, which he described as targeting civilians and essential infrastructure. The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, particularly with the upcoming annual investment conference in Riyadh.
The attack on Riyadh's airport is the latest in a series of escalating incidents in the region. The Houthi rebels have launched several attacks on Saudi targets in recent days, including a strike on the airport on Wednesday that killed three Saudi nationals, including a pilot. The rebels have also made gains in Yemen, capturing strategic territory along the Red Sea coast.
The incident has prompted a response from the United States, with President Donald Trump stating that he would discuss the situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The US has been urged to provide support to Saudi Arabia in countering the Houthi threat. According to reports, the Saudi kingdom has requested US assistance in addressing the Houthi rebels, who have launched a series of attacks on Saudi targets.
The situation in Yemen remains complex, with multiple factions vying for control. The Houthi rebels continue to hold territory along the Red Sea coast, including the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with thousands of civilians killed or displaced. The international community remains concerned about the situation, with efforts ongoing to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- The attack on Riyadh's airport resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries.
- The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for previous attacks on Saudi targets.
- The incident has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about regional security.
