Houthi strike on Riyadh Airport

A missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309 others.

Fatalities include four Saudis

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

Injured in critical condition

Al Jazeera reports the Sunday attack was the deadliest on Saudi soil in more than a decade, with some injured reported in critical condition.

Saudi-led coalition blames Houthis

The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Iran-backed Houthis for the attack, describing it as a 'full-fledged war crime' due to civilian deaths and injuries.

“full-fledged war crime”

Escalating conflict in Yemen

The strike comes amid renewed fighting between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, backed by Saudi Arabia.

US President considers military action

US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering whether to join military action against the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia vows retaliation

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

Houthis warn airlines

The Houthis renewed their warning to airlines, airport workers and travelers against using Saudi airports.

Breakdown of UN truce

The renewed violence follows the breakdown of a United Nations-brokered truce that had helped keep large-scale fighting largely contained since 2022.

Humanitarian crisis in Yemen

The latest developments threaten to undermine diplomatic efforts to end Yemen’s prolonged conflict, which has caused widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Saudi Arabia faces pressure

Saudi Arabia has vowed a decisive response to the airport attack, raising the prospect of further military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen.

Regional stability concerns

The conflict has expanded beyond a series of retaliatory attacks, with implications for regional stability and international shipping.

US intelligence support

The United States has provided intelligence-sharing, target-identification and planning assistance for the latest Saudi-backed offensive.

Yemen conflict risks wider war

The airport strike underscores the risk that renewed fighting in Yemen could develop into a broader confrontation involving regional and international powers.

What happens next

Saudi Arabia faces pressure to retaliate against the Houthis while avoiding a return to prolonged military campaigns.