Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Houthis Claim Saudi Airport and Aramco Strikes, Issue Warning
The Houthis, a group based in Yemen, said they launched attacks on airports and energy sites in Saudi Arabia.
They said the operations were retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen.
Saudi authorities reported that a projectile hit a terminal at Riyadh’s airport and caused a fire.
They also said air defences intercepted a cruise missile near the airport.
Reports said an attack the day before killed 12 people and injured more than 300.
The Houthis warned people not to use Saudi airports or airspace, but said Mecca and Medina were excluded.
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended airport operations for safety checks.
Several governments and the United Nations condemned the attacks.
US President Donald Trump said the United States was considering whether to join Saudi strikes against the Houthis.
The Houthis claimed four operations over 24 hours against Saudi airports and energy facilities, using missiles and drones.
The group named King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Aramco facilities in the Eastern Province as targets.
Saudi authorities said a projectile struck Terminal 4 at King Khalid airport and started a fire; they also reported intercepting a cruise missile nearby.
Reports said a Saturday attack at the Riyadh airport killed 12 people and injured more than 300; one account specified 309 injured.
The Houthis warned airlines, workers, and travellers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, except in Mecca and Medina; Saudi and international officials condemned the attacks.
- Who
- Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed the operations; Saudi authorities reported damage at King Khalid International Airport.
- What
- The Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi airports and energy facilities and warned people to avoid Saudi aviation hubs.
- When
- The claims and warning were issued on Sunday; the reports describe a deadly airport attack on Saturday and a further incident on Sunday.
- Where
- Targets named included King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Aramco facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
- Why
- The Houthis said their operations were retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen; this was the group’s stated rationale.
Houthi statements
Saudi and international responses
Reason for the operations
Houthi statements
The Houthis described their attacks as retaliation for Saudi-led airstrikes and military action in Yemen.
Saudi and international responses
Saudi and international officials condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure; the UN secretary-general said such attacks violate international law.
Safety of Saudi aviation
Houthi statements
The Houthis called Saudi airports and airspace unsafe and warned airlines, workers, and travellers to stay away, while exempting Mecca and Medina.
Saudi and international responses
Saudi authorities reported a terminal fire and a missile interception, and temporarily suspended airport operations for safety assessments.
Possible military response
Houthi statements
The Houthis warned that continued Saudi military action in Yemen would prompt a stronger response.
Saudi and international responses
Trump said the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis; the reports do not state that a decision had been made.
- Houthi claim
- Four operations involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones over a 24-hour period.
- Claimed aviation targets
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
- Claimed energy targets
- Aramco’s Shugadam gas facility and Tanajib oil refinery in the Eastern Province.
- Reported airport toll
- The Saturday attack reportedly killed 12 people and injured more than 300; one report gave the injury figure as 309.
- Sunday airport incident
- Saudi authorities said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 and caused a fire; they also said a cruise missile was intercepted nearby.
- Houthi warning
- The group urged airlines, workers, and travellers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, except for Mecca and Medina.
- Saudi response
- Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended airport operations for damage and safety assessments.
- International response
- Officials including US President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres commented on or condemned the attacks.
Sources
Houthis Claim 4 Strikes On Saudi Airports And Aramco As Riyadh Terminal Burns Again
Houthis claim Riyadh airport attacks, Aramco strikes; issue fresh warning to airlines, travellers and workers
