A Houthi missile strike killed 12 people and injured 309 at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, prompting Saudi-led coalition forces to vow retaliation against Yemen's Ansar Allah rebels. The attack, the deadliest on Saudi soil in over a decade, has raised concerns about regional tensions and potential military escalation.
The strike, attributed to Iran-backed Houthis, occurred on Sunday and was confirmed by Saudi authorities. Footage showed panic as passengers fled the airport, with some injured and others fleeing the scene. The attack has led to suspended airport operations and ongoing damage assessments.
Saudi officials have blamed the Houthis for the attack, describing it as a 'full-fledged war crime' due to the casualties among civilians. The incident has intensified fears of further attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure and could impact regional stability and international shipping. The Saudi-led coalition has vowed a decisive response, though officials caution against prolonged escalation.
Houthis have renewed their warnings against using Saudi airports, accusing the kingdom of failing to intercept attacks. The group has also claimed responsibility for previous strikes, including one on Dammam's airport, and has called for continued pressure on Saudi Arabia to cease its military involvement in Yemen.