A projectile hit a passenger terminal at Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday, following a previous missile strike that killed 12 people, as reported by the Saudi-led coalition combatting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority confirmed one fatality — a Pakistani resident — and 11 injuries in Sunday’s incident at King Khalid International Airport.
The deadliest missile attack in a Gulf Arab nation since the Iran war began in February occurred on Saturday, resulting in 300 people wounded, some critically. This escalation in the conflict poses a risk of increased U.S. military involvement, with President Donald Trump considering joining the fight against the rebels.
Amidst the turmoil, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia announced the death of one of its citizens due to injuries sustained in the previous day’s attack, raising the death toll to 13. Additionally, authorities reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, with limited information provided.
The Houthis alleged that the airport under their control in Sanaa was also targeted, attributing the attacks to the Saudis without offering specifics. The situation threatens global oil supplies, commercial shipping via alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz, and regional aviation and civilian security.
Saudi Arabia, facing a shortage of missile interceptors, has sought air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. The attacks coincide with significant international events hosted by Saudi Arabia, jeopardizing its efforts to enhance global engagement and tourism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership.
In a defiant stance, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud affirmed resilience amid challenges. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported casualties in Yemen due to airstrikes, emphasizing civilian losses. The rebels’ warnings against using Saudi airports due to vulnerability to attacks have led to flight suspensions by several airlines.
The casualties in the Saturday attack included nationals from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Palestine, the U.S., Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Sudan. The impact of the conflict on the Iran war has intensified, with the Houthis aiding Iran’s strategic interests. The Saudi-led coalition’s efforts to counter recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea signify a new phase of conflict escalation.
