A deadly attack attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, according to Saudi authorities. Umrah pilgrims travelling to Islam’s holiest cities were among those affected by the attack on Saturday, October 10. The exact number of pilgrims killed or injured has not been disclosed.
The attack marked a major escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. The strike also caused damage to airport facilities and disrupted civilian air travel.
Umrah Pilgrims Among Those Affected
Several Umrah pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Madinah were reportedly among the casualties. According to reports by Gulf News, some pilgrims were injured while waiting to board their flights at the airport.
The incident caused concern among travellers and their families, as the airport serves as a major international gateway for passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes.
Authorities have not released a separate breakdown of casualties involving Umrah pilgrims.
Saudi Authorities Confirm 12 Deaths and 309 Injuries
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that the October 10 attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others, including several whose conditions were reported to be critical.
The fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
The injured were taken to hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities also began assessing damage to airport facilities following the strike.
Airport Operations Disrupted
Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the attack as officials assessed the damage and inspected facilities for safety.
The incident also prompted flight disruptions, with several international airlines suspending or cancelling services to Riyadh. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.
Saudi-Led Coalition Vows Response
The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government condemned the attack. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki described the strike as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and said the coalition would respond decisively in accordance with applicable legal obligations.
The attack came amid an intensification of fighting in Yemen, where government-aligned forces have stepped up operations against the Houthis. The group has also issued warnings concerning commercial aviation operating in Saudi airspace.
Further Attack Reported on October 11
The security situation remained tense after Saudi authorities reported another attack targeting King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, October 11. GACA said the incident caused injuries and that damage assessments and safety inspections were under way.
A separate report published on October 12 said another strike at the airport had killed one Pakistani resident and injured 11 people. India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia also reported that an Indian citizen had died from injuries sustained in Saturday’s attack, potentially increasing the death toll associated with that earlier incident. These developments are separate from the initial October 10 casualty figures.
The successive attacks have raised serious concerns over civilian safety, airport security and the potential for further escalation across the region.
Source: Gulf News, Al Jazeera, Reuters and the Saudi Press Agency.
Editorial note: The initial confirmed toll for the October 10 attack was 12 dead and 309 injured. Subsequent casualty updates should be distinguished by incident and date to avoid combining figures from separate attacks.
