An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday claimed the lives of 12 people and injured over 300. In this attack, which targeted the country's civilian aviation facilities, more details about the victims have been released.
Details of the Attack and Casualty Statistics
According to an initial statement released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia, the attack on King Khalid Airport occurred while the country is facing repeated assaults on its aviation facilities. Reports indicate that 12 people lost their lives, including four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, one American, one Egyptian, one Jordanian, one Syrian, one Palestinian, and one Sudanese. Additionally, 309 others were injured in this attack and are all being treated in several hospitals.
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Operations at the airport have been suspended until further notice. The Saudi-led coalition, which is at war with the Houthis in Yemen, also announced that "a missile" has landed near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
International Reactions and Officials' Statements
Following this attack, the Saudi-led military coalition, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government, accused the Houthis of carrying out this deadly attack and promised to respond "decisively" to this terrorist act. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki described the attack as a "war crime" and stated that the coalition "will respond firmly to this terrorist attack".
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack on Riyadh International Airport as "unacceptable" and stated that he would discuss the matter with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In response to a question about whether the United States might take action in this regard, Trump said, "We will see".
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, also strongly condemned the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and confirmed that an American citizen was killed in these attacks. He stated in a statement: "These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians. These attacks must be stopped immediately".
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, was also deeply shocked by this attack and stated that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law and must be stopped immediately.
A Saudi official, who requested anonymity, told news agencies that a large number of people were injured after a missile landed in a passenger terminal. Additionally, several Western embassies in Riyadh, including the embassies of Germany, the United States, Canada, and Spain, have urged their citizens to stay away from the airport.
The U.S. Embassy stated that it is aware of the attacks at the airport. The Spanish Embassy referred to the new Houthi attack, and the Canadian Embassy also warned of ongoing military activities.
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