Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12, Injures Hundreds

Saudi state media released footage of a Houthi drone attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, which resulted in 12 civilian deaths and 309 injuries. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority reported that King Fahd Airport in Dammam was also targeted on Sunday evening, with damage assessments ongoing. The victims in the Riyadh attack included citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. Injured individuals were transported to local hospitals. Following the airport strike, passengers were evacuated from sections of the terminal, and images showed black smoke and numerous ambulances at the scene. The Saudi-led coalition reported further strikes on Riyadh, including a hit on Terminal 4 and a subsequent fire, with another cruise missile intercepted. The Houthis issued a renewed warning against approaching airports and vital facilities within Saudi Arabia. In response to the Houthi attacks, Saudi forces conducted airstrikes on Sanaa, Yemen, targeting the city's international airport, according to Yemeni media. "Al-Masirah," a Houthi-affiliated network, reported the Saudi strikes, with other Yemeni outlets reporting one fatality from the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Riyadh attack, calling it a "heinous terror attack" and extending condolences to the victims' families. He emphasized the need to confront terrorism decisively and expressed Israel's hope for a strong Middle East united against threats. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also denounced the attack and stated that Pakistan is in contact with Saudi authorities, directing its embassy in Riyadh to assist injured Pakistani citizens.