The death toll from a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has risen to 13. A subsequent strike on Sunday killed one person, while airlines suspended flights and schools moved to remote learning.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The death toll from a missile strike on Saturday, October 10, rose to 13 after an Indian national died from injuries, according to India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia. A further projectile struck the airport on Sunday, October 11, killing a Pakistani national and injuring 11 others.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) initially reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries from the October 10 attack. The fatalities included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign nationals from Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The Indian national’s death on Sunday brought the total to 13.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated that three injured Indian nationals remain in intensive care in stable condition, while two others are in regular hospital wards. The embassy confirmed it is assisting with the repatriation of the deceased’s remains.
On Sunday, a projectile struck Passenger Hall No. 4 at King Khalid International Airport, causing a fire. Saudi aviation authorities said the attack killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 people. The Saudi-led coalition also reported that air defenses intercepted a cruise missile near the airport.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, described the attacks as a response to "brutal Saudi aggression against our country and our people." Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group carried out multiple operations, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Aramco facilities.
The Houthis issued a warning to airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, stating they are "unsafe," with the exception of the airports serving Mecca and Medina. The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis for the attacks, which they described as the deadliest on Saudi soil in more than a decade, and vowed a decisive response.
King Khalid International Airport remained closed on Monday, with no confirmed time for the resumption of passenger flights. Aviation sources indicated that radar and communications equipment were damaged, and runways required assessment.
Airlines have adjusted their schedules in response to the security situation:
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency widened its warning to cover more Saudi airspace, citing risks from missile and drone attacks.
International leaders condemned the strikes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. These attacks must cease immediately." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the attacks a "dangerous escalation," while US President Donald Trump said Washington might join Saudi strikes against the Houthis, noting, "We may. We're going to look at it."
The attacks represent a significant escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, threatening civilian infrastructure and international aviation safety. The disruption has forced schools in Riyadh to switch to remote learning and raised concerns about the security of major economic events in the region. The potential for increased US military involvement adds further uncertainty to regional stability.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
WorldTrending
Eight people were wounded in a stabbing at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea, on Tuesday. One victim is in cardiac arrest, and police have arrested a male suspect.
Met Éireann has issued a status-yellow wind warning for Donegal, Galway and Mayo for Wednesday. Strong southwesterly winds and heavy rain are expected across parts of the country.
