Houthi strikes target Riyadh airport as regional tensions escalate
Houthi missile strikes hit Riyadh's international airport, killing at least 12 people and halting flights as Saudi Arabia vows retaliation.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched consecutive missile strikes against Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting the suspension of flight operations. The attacks caused fires in passenger terminals, leaving at least 12 people dead and over 300 injured, according to local authorities, while additional strikes targeted Abha airport.
Following the assaults, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines and passengers that Saudi airspace and airports now "constitute a theatre of operations," excepting holy sites in Mecca and Medina. US President Donald Trump characterized the attack on Riyadh as "not acceptable," while the Saudi-led coalition responded by carrying out airstrikes against more than 80 Houthi military targets across Yemen.
Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian.
Sources
- Cyprus Mail — Three killed in attacks on Saudi airports as Yemen fighting intensifies
- France24 — Middle East live: Riyadh airport attack 'not acceptable,' Trump says
- The Guardian — Middle East crisis live: Houthis warn passengers against using Saudi airport after deadly attack on Riyadh
- STV News — At least 12 killed in attack on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport
- BBC News — Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport hit by second Houthi strike in two days
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCRiyadh airport operations remain halted after second day of Houthi strikes
- Oct 15, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCHouthi strikes hit Riyadh airport for second day as operations remain suspended
- Oct 15, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCSaudi Arabia retaliates after Houthi attacks target Riyadh airport
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCRiyadh airport struck by second missile as Houthi warnings escalate
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