Saudi Airports Hit as Fighting With Yemen’s Houthis Escalates
Saudi authorities reported attacks on two international airports Sunday as fighting with Yemen’s Houthi rebels intensified amid the wider Iran war. A projectile struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Saudi-led coalition said. Authorities reported injuries but gave no number. They also said King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was attacked, without providing details. The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks and for strikes on oil and gas facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh terminal had been hit by a missile Saturday, killing 12 people and wounding about 300, according to Saudi authorities. India’s embassy said one of its citizens later died from injuries sustained in the attack, potentially raising the death toll to 13. The Houthis have targeted the airport repeatedly since Wednesday and warned airlines and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace. Several airlines have suspended flights for varying periods.
The Houthis, meanwhile, accused Saudi forces of striking the airport in Sanaa. Their health ministry said a child was killed and six people wounded in a suspected Saudi airstrike on a home in the Yemeni capital. Saudi authorities did not immediately comment.
The escalation has raised concerns about civilian aviation, energy infrastructure and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Red Sea passage is an alternative route for oil shipments while vessels in the Strait of Hormuz face threats. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering military action against the Houthis and planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia entered Yemen’s civil war in 2015 on behalf of the internationally recognized government. Fighting resumed after relative calm following a 2022 ceasefire. The Saudi-led coalition is now supporting Yemeni government forces trying to reverse Houthi gains along the Red Sea. Analyst Ahmed Nagi said attacks on Saudi infrastructure could strengthen Riyadh’s determination to continue its campaign.