Yemeni Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills 12 and Injures Over 300

How Airport Operations Were Disrupted

A missile strike launched by Houthi forces targeted Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300 others. The attack occurred in the early morning hours, marking the third such incident at the Saudi capital's airport within a single week. Emergency services rushed to the scene as smoke and debris filled parts of the terminal building, with authorities confirming casualties among both civilians and airport staff.

The strike is part of an escalating pattern of cross-border violence between Yemen's Houthi movement and a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government. Houthi militants have increasingly used ballistic missiles and drones to strike deep inside Saudi territory, aiming to pressure the kingdom economically and militarily. Saudi air defenses intercepted several incoming threats prior to this strike, but this particular projectile evaded detection and struck a cargo handling area near Gate 12.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Prevent Future Attacks?

Flight schedules were immediately suspended following the explosion, with dozens of departures and cancellations affecting thousands of travelers. Saudi aviation officials confirmed that runways remained operational but terminal access was restricted due to ongoing rescue and investigation efforts. Witnesses described scenes of panic as ceiling panels collapsed and glass shattered across concourses. Medical teams treated victims for shrapnel wounds, burns, and trauma, with many transported to nearby hospitals in Riyadh. The airport authority urged the public to avoid the area while forensic experts collected evidence from the impact site.

In response to the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure, Saudi authorities announced plans to enhance missile detection systems around key airports and military bases. Coalition forces have intensified airstrikes against Houthi-held positions in Yemen, particularly targeting launch sites identified through intelligence sharing with regional partners. However, experts warn that the Houthis' ability to adapt their tactics—such as using low-flight trajectories to avoid radar—continues to challenge defensive capabilities. The Saudi Ministry of Interior pledged to review security protocols at all major transportation hubs.

Who carried out the attack on Riyadh airport? Houthi rebels from Yemen claimed responsibility for the missile strike, stating it was retaliation for ongoing Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this the first time the airport has been targeted recently? No, this was the third attack on King Khalid International Airport within seven days, indicating a deliberate pattern of strikes by Houthi forces.

Are flights expected to resume soon? Partial operations may resume within 24 to 48 hours, but full normalization depends on security assessments and repair work in the damaged terminal section.