Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12, Netanyahu Condemns 'Terror'

The Houthi rebels in Yemen launched an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, killing 12 people and injuring 309, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority. Among the casualties was an American citizen. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong condemnation, calling the incident a "heinous terrorist attack" and expressing condolences to the victims' families. He stated that Israel desires a strong Middle East united against threats and committed to security and prosperity.

Earlier on Sunday, Saudi airstrikes targeted Houthi positions around the city of Taiz in Yemen. Saudi military spokesman Turki al-Maliki described the Houthi airport attack as an act of terror, vowing stronger retaliatory strikes in accordance with international law. In response to the Riyadh attack, a Houthi military spokesman warned all airlines, experts, workers, and passengers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, which he declared a zone of operation for Houthi forces.

This latest Houthi attack follows previous assaults on the airport, which has become a primary target. Last week, two separate attacks on the airport resulted in four deaths and significant damage to aircraft. Following Sunday's incident, flights to Riyadh were diverted or canceled, and a helicopter was observed hovering over the scene.