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Houthis Claim Saudi Airport and Oil Facility Strikes
The Houthis, a group in Yemen, said they attacked airports and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
They said the attacks were a response to Saudi-led strikes in Yemen.
Saudi officials reported that a projectile hit a terminal at Riyadh's airport and started a fire.
They also said air defences stopped a missile near the airport.
A previous attack at the airport killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the reports.
The Houthis warned people not to use Saudi airports, but said Mecca and Medina were excluded.
Several governments and the United Nations condemned the attacks.
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended airport operations while safety checks were carried out.
The Houthis claimed four operations against Saudi airports and energy sites over 24 hours.
They said attacks disrupted air traffic at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd Airport in Dammam.
Saudi authorities reported a projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid Airport, causing a fire; air defences later intercepted a cruise missile nearby.
The previous day's Riyadh airport attack killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the reports.
The Houthis warned airlines and travellers away from Saudi airports, while governments and international officials condemned the attacks.
- Who
- Yemen's Houthi movement claimed the attacks; Saudi authorities reported damage at King Khalid International Airport.
- What
- The Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi airports and energy facilities and warned people away from Saudi airspace.
- Where
- Targets named included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
- When
- The claims and warning were made on Sunday, after a deadly airport attack on Saturday.
- Why
- The Houthis described their operations as retaliation for Saudi-led strikes in Yemen; this rationale was their claim.
Houthi position
Saudi and international response
Reason for the attacks
Houthi position
The Houthis described their strikes as retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes and what they called aggression against Yemen.
Saudi and international response
Saudi and international officials condemned the attacks on civilian facilities; UN Secretary-General António Guterres said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law.
Safety of Saudi airports
Houthi position
The Houthis warned airlines, workers, and travellers that Saudi airports and airspace were unsafe, while exempting Mecca and Medina in their statement.
Saudi and international response
Saudi authorities reported responding to a terminal fire and intercepting a missile near Riyadh airport, and temporarily suspended airport operations for safety assessments.
Possible military response
Houthi position
The Houthis warned that continued Saudi military action in Yemen would bring a stronger response.
Saudi and international response
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis; the reports do not say a decision had been made.
Key facts
- Houthi claim
- Four operations using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones over a 24-hour period.
- Reported Riyadh airport toll
- 12 people killed and more than 300 injured in Saturday's attack; one report gave the number injured as 309.
- Fresh airport incident
- Saudi authorities said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport and caused a fire.
- Air defence
- Saudi authorities said a cruise missile was intercepted near King Khalid International Airport.
- Other claimed targets
- King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Aramco facilities in the Eastern Province.
- Houthi travel warning
- The group urged airlines, workers, and travellers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, with Mecca and Medina excepted in its statement.
- Saudi aviation response
- Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority temporarily suspended airport operations for damage and safety assessments.
- International response
- Officials including UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks; US President Donald Trump said the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes.
Quotes
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree
Houthi military spokesperson who announced the claimed operations.
“I am deeply shocked by and strongly condemn Saturday’s lethal attack by the Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 people and injured hundreds of civilians. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. These attacks must cease immediately.”
republicworld.com
“It is no longer acceptable for regional and international condemnations of the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure to remain mere verbal stances, without being translated into firm measures that achieve accountability and deterrence.”
wionews.com
Sources
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