New Delhi: A missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, killed 12 people and injured 309 others, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis for the strike, which hit a complex housing terminals 3 and 4 for domestic flights
In its latest statement on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s general authority of civil aviation confirmed that the 12 people killed included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. The authority said 309 others were injured, including some in critical condition, and were receiving treatment at several hospitals. It added that the attack caused property damage, the extent of which was still being assessed.
The attack drew condemnation from several countries, including those whose nationals were among the dead. India strongly condemned the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, including the Saturday strike, and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. India said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable and must cease immediately, reaffirming its solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt and Bangladesh also condemned the attacks, while the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council called for an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure and warned of the risks to regional security.
Trump weighs US involvement
The United States president, Donald Trump, told reporters that Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia’s military action against the Houthis. He also said he planned to speak with Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, following the attack.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, condemned the strike and confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed. The Saudi-led coalition described the attack as a war crime and threatened a firm response. The Houthis had not immediately commented on the latest allegations
Airport closure disrupts flights
Saudi authorities suspended operations at the airport following the attack while officials assessed the damage and safety of its facilities. The closure was extended until 9pm on Sunday, according to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, as reported by AP.
The strike followed earlier attacks on Saudi airports during the same week. Previous strikes reportedly killed four people and damaged aircraft. Air India, flydubai, Lufthansa Group and Pakistan International Airlines have suspended some flights to and from Saudi airports for varying periods.
Fighting intensifies in Yemen
The attack comes as fighting escalates between the Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Saudi Arabia has launched a military offensive against the rebels, who have also threatened shipping and airlines operating in the region.
Fighting has also spread around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Saudi-backed forces have claimed advances against the Houthis, but the extent of their gains remains disputed.
The escalation has also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s air defence capabilities. Last month, regional officials told the Associated Press that the kingdom was running low on missile interceptors and had sought air defence support from France, Britain, Pakistan and Egypt.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over civilian safety, regional air travel and the risk of a wider conflict involving Saudi Arabia, the Houthis and the United States.