New attacks on Riyadh International Airport on Sunday, October 11, resulted in one death and nearly twelve injuries. Saudi officials announced that this attack targeted Terminal 4 of the airport using an unidentified projectile, causing a fire.
Impact of Recent Attacks
The Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen announced that Saudi air defense systems successfully destroyed a cruise missile near King Khalid International Airport. Additionally, a drone was also destroyed in the eastern province of the country. Saudi officials also reported emergency warnings issued in the city of Abha, which were later downgraded.
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Houthi Accountability and Consequences
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attack on Riyadh Airport on Saturday in a televised speech, stating that the group also targeted Dammam Airport and two facilities of the Saudi oil company Aramco. These attacks highlight Saudi Arabia's defensive vulnerabilities against Houthi assaults, which are currently pursuing a ground war against the Yemeni government supported by Saudi Arabia.
The recent attacks on Riyadh Airport, which are considered the deadliest in over a decade, led to the airport's closure. Saudi officials reported that this attack has resulted in a total of 18 deaths in the past week, of which four were Saudi nationals and the rest were foreign nationals.
While Saudi Arabia has recently escalated its military engagements in Yemen, the Houthis have warned that any use of Saudi airports may have irreparable consequences. In this regard, the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Jeddah, Dammam, and other airports in the country except for Medina Airport.
Meanwhile, the WPC International Energy Conference was held as scheduled at a convention center near Riyadh Airport despite the recent attacks. Additionally, Saudi officials announced that in-person classes in Riyadh schools would shift to online education from Sunday to Thursday.
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