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Saudi authorities reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Sunday. This follows a deadly missile strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Saudi authorities reported that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was attacked on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. The incident occurred as the death toll from a separate missile strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport the previous day rose to 13. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks in Riyadh and others.
The attack on Dammam marks an escalation in violence targeting Saudi aviation hubs. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority confirmed the incident late on Sunday, stating that damage assessments and safety inspections were underway. An eyewitness reported that a projectile struck the tarmac near parked aircraft at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, starting a fire. Passengers were instructed to disembark and leave the airport.
The strike on Dammam follows a series of attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The airport was struck four times in the past five days. The deadliest incident occurred on Saturday, when a missile hit terminals 3 and 4, killing 12 people initially. India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that one of its citizens died Sunday from injuries sustained in that attack, bringing the total to 13. Over 300 other people were wounded in the Saturday strike, some critically.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group in Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi airports and other infrastructure. The group also claimed responsibility for strikes against Saudi Aramco facilities. Saudi authorities reported the interception of a drone in the Eastern Province, though it is not established if this was related to the airport incident.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is weighing joining the fight against the Houthis. There was no White House comment on Sunday regarding the general escalation. Trump had planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but there was no sign the call had taken place by Sunday.
The conflict has raised concerns about global oil supplies and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis seized key areas along the strait last month. A U.S. intervention could prompt the Houthis to halt shipping through this waterway, further restricting oil flow from the Persian Gulf.
The attacks have disrupted air travel in Saudi Arabia, a major connecting point for international passengers. Riyadh’s main airport remained closed following Saturday’s attack. Flight-tracking data showed multiple delays and cancellations at Dammam Airport on Sunday evening.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud addressed an international energy conference in Riyadh, stating, "There is no way that somebody will break our back. We are like a phoenix, we come out of the ashes all the time," according to the Associated Press. He noted that the kingdom is working on pipelines in addition to the East-West pipeline, which was attacked and closed for days last month.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he warned against insisting on a military approach and ignoring a political solution during a phone call with his Saudi counterpart. Tehran stated it was ready to help start a dialogue between the Saudis and the Houthis.
The attacks on King Fahd International Airport and King Khalid International Airport represent a significant threat to Saudi Arabia's civilian aviation infrastructure and its efforts to position itself as a global business and tourism destination. The escalation risks drawing in greater U.S. military involvement and disrupting global energy markets by threatening critical shipping routes and oil infrastructure.
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.
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