Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport Hit by Missile Strike for Third Time This Week

Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport has been targeted by a missile strike for the third time this week, leaving many wounded and causing significant damage to terminal facilities.

The attack comes as Saudi Arabia faces an escalating series of assaults in its ongoing conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The kingdom's airport was previously hit on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of three Saudis, including a pilot, according to Houthi claims.

Regional officials have confirmed that many people were injured in Saturday's strike, which targeted a complex housing domestic flight terminals 3 and 4 at King Khalid International Airport. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, provided details of the attack.

President Donald Trump has stated that the US is evaluating whether to join Saudi-led strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. When asked about potential US intervention, Trump said, "We may. We're going to look at it."

The surge in attacks on Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure began shortly after a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthi rebels last week.

Airport operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were suspended following a series of attacks on Saudi airports and military facilities. The civil aviation authority announced that flights would be diverted elsewhere until midnight, while assessing the extent of damage and injuries.

The airport's security measures were heightened, with police presence being felt throughout the complex. All entrances to the airport were blocked, and the lights around the area were dimmed as a precautionary measure.

Countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, and Canada issued travel advisories, warning their citizens to avoid the airport due to security concerns. This move was likely a response to the recent surge in attacks on Saudi targets.

The latest assault has heightened tensions in the region, with markets and economies feeling the impact of the escalating conflict. The Saudi energy ministry's decision to promote an international energy conference set to take place in Riyadh on Sunday seems somewhat at odds with this reality.

Fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition continues to intensify along the Red Sea, where recent gains have given the Houthis enhanced surveillance capabilities over shipping lanes.

Saudi Arabia's military is facing a shortage of missile interceptors, prompting officials to seek air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt.

Regional officials have revealed that these countries were approached last month to deploy their air defense capabilities to the region, where the Saudi-led coalition has been battling Houthi rebels. The US has also seen its own stockpile of missile interceptors dwindle during the conflict with Iran.

The latest escalation in tensions comes as Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and his Omani counterpart spoke by phone on Saturday about the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region. Oman, which lies across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran, has often played a mediator role in regional conflicts.

Saudi authorities have warned citizens that sharing information related to countering missiles and drones could expose them to legal liability. This warning comes as airlines continue to suspend flights to Saudi airports due to ongoing security concerns.

The Houthi rebels have issued a stark warning to global airlines, stating that operating in Saudi airspace poses significant risks due to their military operations there. At least 291 flights at the Riyadh airport were canceled over the past 24 hours, with several major airlines suspending flights to and from Riyadh for varying periods.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued a warning about the risks posed by Houthi attacks on Saudi airspace. The agency's guidance now reflects the group's ability to strike targets deep within the kingdom, including Riyadh, and its focus on aviation infrastructure.

Regional officials have confirmed that Thursday's attack on the Riyadh airport resulted in damage to three planes. According to these officials, who wished to remain anonymous, one of the damaged aircraft belonged to the Saudi national carrier and was on the ground at the time of the attack with no passengers on board.

The risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified during Houthi attacks has increased significantly, according to the agency's warning, which highlights the escalating threat posed by these strikes.