In brief
King Khalid International Airport suffered a second missile strike within 48 hours, igniting a fire and injuring dozens. The attack follows an earlier strike that killed 13 and wounded over 300. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim responsibility, citing retaliation for Saudi air strikes on Yemeni territory. Saudi air defenses reportedly intercepted one missile en route while emergency crews battled the blaze. International partners have warned Saudi airlines to limit flights in the zone and hinted at possible military support amid the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire.
On Sunday, a second missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, igniting a blaze in a passenger hall and leaving dozens injured.
The attack follows an earlier strike that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, marking the most serious incident at a Saudi airport in recent years.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility, citing Saudi air strikes on Yemeni targets and Saudi support for the anti‑Houthi coalition as motives.
Saudi air defence reportedly intercepted one missile on its approach to the airport while emergency crews combated the fire.
The UK and US have signalled potential military support and a review of airspace protection, with airlines warning passengers against using Saudi routes.
These escalated attacks come after a 2022 cease‑fire between the Houthis and Saudi‑led forces collapsed earlier this year, and underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Flight operations at Riyadh have been halted and the Saudi government advises airlines to avoid the region until further notice.
