One Killed in Second Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport

A second attack within 48 hours hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, killing at least one person and injuring 11 others. The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the strike occurred Sunday afternoon. Officials later identified the victim as a Pakistani national.

The incident follows a devastating assault on Saturday that claimed 12 lives and left hundreds injured. According to the Saudi-led coalition, an air defense system intercepted a cruise missile in the vicinity of the airport, though no further specifics were released immediately.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels subsequently claimed responsibility for the attacks. A spokesperson stated the group executed “four qualitative operations” over the preceding 24 hours using ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones. The Houthis asserted they targeted Riyadh and Dammam airports, as well as facilities belonging to state oil company Aramco. Saudi authorities later confirmed a separate strike on Dammam airport in the country’s east.

These assaults came just hours after the Houthi movement issued warnings to airlines and travelers, advising them to avoid Saudi airspace and airports due to the risk of attack. The group specified that holy cities Mecca and Medina would not be targeted but warned that Saudi Arabia would bear responsibility for any failed interceptions.

Tensions have surged following a major military offensive launched by the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi positions in Yemen in recent weeks. The coalition supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government after rebels seized strategic Red Sea coastal territory last month, including areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthi-run health authority reported that 91 Yemenis, 60% of whom were women and children, have died from coalition strikes over the past five weeks.

In response to the airport attacks, the coalition condemned the strikes as a “full-fledged war crime.” The Houthis vowed continued retaliation, with their Foreign Ministry stating on Al Masirah TV that further action would follow unless Saudi Arabia halted its “aggression and interference” in Yemen.

International reactions have been swift. U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as “not acceptable” and announced plans to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also indicated the United States is considering joining Saudi strikes against the rebels. European leaders expressed shock and solidarity; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of a dangerous escalation driven by Iran’s proxies, while Germany and France issued strong condemnations of what they termed terrorist acts against civil aviation. Russia, despite its strategic partnership with Iran, called for an end to hostilities through diplomacy, and Australia urged its citizens in Riyadh to shelter in place.