On October 11, 2026, a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in 12 deaths and 309 injuries. Among the deceased are four Saudi citizens and eight foreigners, including an American.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred without warning, and the alarm system failed to activate. The missile struck the area between the terminals of the airport, causing significant damage. Some of the injured are in critical condition, and the extent of the damage to the airport is currently being assessed.
Context of the Conflict
This marks the third attack on the airport within a week. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have declared all aircraft over Saudi territory as targets, except for those heading to Mecca and Medina. During a previous attack on October 8, at least three people were killed.
International Response
The military coalition led by Saudi Arabia has vowed to respond to this attack. The United States has also not ruled out the possibility of providing assistance to Saudi Arabia in response to the actions of the Houthis. While the Houthis did not claim responsibility for the new attack, they announced the "closure" of the airport.