Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports Kill Three, Injure 36
Abha and King Khalid international airports targeted amid renewed escalation in Yemen conflict
Riyadh: Three people have been killed and 36 others injured in attacks on two major international airports in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The attacks targeted Abha International Airport in the southwest and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Tuesday and Wednesday.
At Abha International Airport, two women were killed and 28 people were injured. At King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, a Sudanese national was killed and eight others were wounded, including five Saudi citizens, according to Saudi authorities.
Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted Saudi airports with missiles and drones. The Saudi led coalition, meanwhile, said its air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards Riyadh and that the launch platform used in the attack was destroyed.
The attacks have caused disruption to civilian air traffic as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi backed Yemeni government forces has intensified. On Thursday, further explosions were reported in Riyadh, including at King Khalid International Airport. The Houthis claimed another missile attack on the airport, although Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim.
The renewed violence has also affected commercial aviation. More than 100 flights from Riyadh were cancelled on Thursday after the latest reported explosions, according to flight tracking data cited by the Financial Times.
The escalation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen after a prolonged period of relative calm. Saudi backed Yemeni forces have launched operations against Houthi positions near the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait, while the Houthis have continued attacks against Saudi targets. The conflict has also raised concerns over the security of one of the world’s important maritime and energy routes.
The attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of civilians and commercial aviation in the region. Saudi authorities and airlines have taken additional measures as the security situation remains fluid.