Houthis strike Riyadh as ballistic missile targets King Khalid International Airport

The Houthis’ ballistic missile attack on Riyadh has put Saudi Arabia’s capital and aviation operations under new strain. The group claimed to have targeted King Khalid International Airport, and international flights were cautioned not to use Saudi airspace.

The purported attack came just hours after another strike that claimed lives. According to officials, one Sudanese national was killed and eight others were injured in the earlier incident.

The victims comprised five Saudi citizens, two Egyptian residents, and one Pakistani national. As the fight with the Houthis continues, the attacks have spread to other airports throughout the country.

Houthis strike Riyadh as airlines face warning over Saudi airspace

According to the Houthis, the latest incident took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attack has prompted concerns about the security of airport buildings and aviation operations in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation stated it was working with the appropriate authorities. According to the organization, personnel are examining the damage and ensuring that airport infrastructure are safe.

GACA further stated that adequate precautions were being taken to protect passengers and ensure the security and safety of civil aviation operations throughout the kingdom.

The Houthis have also issued a warning to international airlines. Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson, said the organization was reiterating its warning against airlines flying into Saudi airspace.

He said that the group’s military actions had expanded into Saudi airspace. The warning prohibited airspace over the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The remark adds another degree of concern for airlines that fly through the country, as assaults have hit more than one airport.

Houthis strike Riyadh after deadly attack at Abha airport

Prior to the purported Riyadh attack, there was another serious incident at Abha International airport. The strike killed two people and injured 28 more.

The two fatalities were recognised as Algerian and Moroccan citizens. The casualties occurred as the Houthis continued to attack Saudi sites.

According to the source, the Yemeni group has been conducting out assaults against Saudi Arabia since July. According to the United Nations, the war in Yemen has displaced over 200,000 people.

Last month, the Houthis controlled the whole western coastline of the Red Sea, where the combat was said to be among the fiercest in years.

Yemen has stated that it plans to reclaim all areas lost to the Houthis. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has reached out to its allies for assistance.

Saudi Arabia also requested that the United States intervene. US President Donald Trump refused to sanction strikes against the Houthis after the organization convinced him that it would not attack American installations in the vicinity.

However, Trump authorised a proposal for 48 F-35 fighter jets for Saudi Arabia, with a total value of USD 24.3 billion.

The new airport strikes and airline warnings demonstrate the fighting’s broader impact on Saudi Arabia’s aviation system. GACA stated that it was continuing to engage with relevant authorities to analyse the situation and safeguard civil aviation operations.