Saudi Arabia retaliates after Houthi attacks target Riyadh airport
Flight operations at Riyadh airport remain suspended following repeated Houthi strikes, triggering coalition retaliation in Yemen.
Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended following consecutive projectile strikes targeting the facility. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree advised international airlines and passengers to avoid non-holy Saudi airports, warning that the country's airspace constitutes a "theatre of operations."
Discrepancies remain regarding casualties from the strikes. Local authorities and media outlets reported at least 12 to 13 people killed and over 300 injured, while aviation authorities cited lower casualty figures of three dead across airport strikes in Riyadh and Abha.
US President Donald Trump condemned the Riyadh strike as "not acceptable." In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes against more than 80 Houthi targets across Yemen as regional hostilities intensify.
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 14, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCRiyadh airport struck by second missile as Houthi warnings escalate
- Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCHouthi strikes target Riyadh airport as regional tensions escalate
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