At least 12 people were killed and 309 others injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to figures released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The casualties included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshi citizens, and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan, the authority said. Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The Saudi-led military coalition accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of carrying out the attack and described it as a “full-fledged war crime”. A diplomatic source reportedly characterised the incident as a missile attack.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition on Sunday vowed decisive action against the Houthis, raising concerns about a further escalation of the conflict in the region.
Airport Operations Suspended
Airport operations were suspended following the attack, while authorities began assessing the extent of the damage.
Medical authorities reportedly called in additional doctors to manage what a medical source described as a serious emergency. According to two doctors cited by AFP, several pilgrims travelling to Mecca were also among the injured.
The reported attack comes amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, who have been involved in a prolonged conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Riyadh.
Regional Tensions Intensify
The latest violence has raised concerns about a wider regional confrontation. US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could become involved in military action against the Houthis.
The full circumstances of the airport attack, the extent of the damage and the possible consequences of the coalition’s promised response remain to be established.
Source: Al Arabiya, citing Saudi civil aviation authorities and other sources; AFP reporting as quoted by Al Arabiya.
