At least 12 individuals, including an American citizen, lost their lives in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday. Among the dead were four Saudi citizens, two from Bangladesh, and one each from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. Additionally, 309 people sustained injuries, some critically, according to Saudi officials.
The attack involved a missile striking terminals 3 and 4, used for domestic flights. This marks a continuation of assaults linked to the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Following the attack, the Biden administration is reviewing potential responses and possible collaboration with Saudi military actions against the Houthis.
President Trump stated the administration is considering joining Saudi strikes against the rebels. A U.S. State Department spokesperson condemned the attacks, labeling them as terrorism, and stated the department remains in communication with Saudi authorities.
The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for this attack, but previously admitted to other strikes, including ones that killed three Saudis earlier in the week.
The attack prompted a suspension of operations at the Riyadh airport. Flights redirected to other locations. Officials advised citizens from the U.S., Britain, Germany, Australia, and Canada to avoid traveling to the airport. The disruption reflects increasing tensions in the region following a Saudi-led coalition offensive against the Houthis in response to their recent territorial advancements.
The conflict has broader implications, potentially affecting oil markets given Saudi Arabia’s role as a major exporter. Despite the attack, the Saudi energy ministry continues to promote an international energy conference scheduled to begin in Riyadh.
Previous Houthi ship attacks, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians, created concerns of further escalation. The recent attack also led to global airlines canceling or diverting flights. FlightAware reports 291 flight cancellations at the Riyadh airport within 24 hours. Airlines like Air India, FlyDubai, Lufthansa Group, and Pakistan International Airlines have suspended flights temporarily.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency warned of heightened risks for airlines operating in Saudi airspace due to potential missile and drone attacks. Houthi warnings suggest ongoing threats to aviation infrastructure. Damage to three aircraft was reported during Houthi attacks on Thursday, though no passengers were on board at the time.
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