Houthi Attacks on Riyadh Airport Kill 17, Injure 333; Saudi Coalition Reports 20 Strikes
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RIYADH: The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said Thursday that Houthi forces launched 20 attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh this month, killing 17 people and wounding 333 others.
Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki told a press conference in Riyadh:
Attacks on Riyadh airport occurred since Oct 1, with heaviest casualties Oct 7-11 (17 dead, 333 injured).
Oct 10 attack alone involved 10 drones, missiles and other projectiles.
Houthis also attacked Abha airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia near Yemeni border, killing 3, wounding 28.
Across 5 Saudi airports since Oct 5, total is 19 dead, 364 injured* (per Arab Times).
Weapons & Retaliation:
Maliki said Houthis acquired advanced military technology with help of "regional actors", including ballistic missiles, drones and explosive-laden fast boats. Iran has provided weapons, money, training (denies arming them in violation of UN embargo). He said coalition destroyed 127 weapons storage facilities and launch platforms in Yemen's mountainous areas, and intercepted a cruise missile near Medina and drones over eastern region/Khamis Mushait.
Background:
Fighting resumed after 2022 truce collapsed this summer. Houthis seized Red Sea chokepoint Bab el-Mandeb from Saudi-backed govt forces last month, fired missiles/drones at Saudi airports, ports, oil facilities in retaliation for Riyadh's backing of Yemeni government forces. Houthis also hit Al-Maashiq presidential palace in Aden PM & cabinet survived, 5 killed, 16 wounded.
Houthi Response:
Houthi military spokesperson said Saudi airspace and airports are unsafe, renewed warning to airlines, excluding airspace over holy cities Mecca and Medina. Houthis denied targeting Medina and denied carrying out attacks Thursday.
Global Reaction:
UN ICAO Governing Council condemned attacks on civilian airports. Pakistan condemned at UN, reiterated support for Saudi sovereignty, called for halt. Saudi Foreign Ministry said Iran "continues to arm, train and support Houthi militia in violation of UNSC resolutions."
Aviation Chaos:
IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India suspended flights to Riyadh/Jeddah till Oct 20-24. EU-GCC summit scheduled Oct 24 in Riyadh postponed indefinitely* citing safety of delegations.
