Saudi Arabia Airport Attack Leaves 12 Dead and Over 300 Wounded

A devastating attack on Riyadh's international airport has left 12 people dead and over 300 wounded, marking the kingdom's deadliest strike in a decade. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed to take decisive action against Yemen's Houthi rebels, whom they blame for the attack.

The coalition described the strike as a "full-fledged war crime and attributed it to a missile fired by the Iran-backed group. A diplomatic source confirmed that the attack was carried out using a missile, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

The attack occurred during an unprecedented wave of Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia since the truce in the Yemen conflict unraveled in July. The escalating violence has raised concerns about a wider escalation, with US President Donald Trump hinting at the possibility of Washington joining military action against the rebels.

The strike on King Khalid International Airport comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels continue to escalate, with both sides trading blame for the deteriorating situation.

The attack on King Khalid International Airport has left 12 people dead and over 300 injured, according to Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority. The victims include four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, one US citizen, one Egyptian, one Jordanian, one Syrian, one Palestinian, and one Sudanese.

Eyewitnesses describe the chaotic scene in the airport's domestic terminal, where a strike hit gate 401, causing panic among passengers. Some of those injured are reportedly in serious condition, with the total number of wounded standing at 309.

Airport operations were suspended following the attack, as damage assessments are being carried out by authorities. In response to the emergency situation, health officials have activated a mass call-up of doctors to assist with treating the wounded.

Medical sources confirm that some of those injured were pilgrims headed to Mecca for the Hajj season. The attack has also prompted schools in Riyadh to switch to remote learning, with parents receiving emails from the education ministry announcing the measure.

The coalition against the Houthi rebels has condemned the attack as a full-fledged war crime, according to Major General Turki al-Malki's statement on X.

A series of attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has left 12 people dead, sparking outrage from the international community and prompting a stern warning from Saudi authorities about an impending decisive response.

The Houthi rebels have been accused by the coalition of carrying out multiple strikes against the airport since Thursday, although they initially claimed responsibility for only some of these attacks. The exact nature and extent of their involvement remain unclear at this stage.

Saudi Arabia has long been embroiled in a bitter conflict with the Houthi movement, which has been backed by Iran. This ongoing civil war has seen Saudi-led coalition forces provide military support to Yemen's government since 2015.

The airport strike is one of the deadliest incidents to occur in Saudi Arabia since May 2015, when a suicide bombing claimed the lives of 21 worshippers at a Shia mosque in Qatif governorate.

The airport strike has sent shockwaves through the international community, prompting several embassies to temporarily ban their staff from using the facility. This precautionary measure is a reflection of the severity of the attack and the ongoing security concerns in Saudi Arabia.

In response to the incident, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement condemning the heinous attack" on Riyadh airport. He reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia under their defense pact, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.

The timing of the attack is particularly significant, as it occurred just ahead of Saudi Arabia's high-profile convention and entertainment season. This season typically attracts a large number of foreign leaders, business titans, and tourists to Riyadh, which hosts a packed calendar of events, including its flagship investment conference.

The airport strike has also had implications for regional security dynamics, with Yemeni government forces advancing against the Houthis in areas captured by the group last month. The situation on the ground remains fluid, making it difficult for journalists to verify claims from warring parties amidst the chaos.