Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Airport Attacks Kill Three, Wound Dozens as Saudi-Yemen Conflict Escalates
Saudi authorities said attacks hit airports in Abha and Riyadh on Tuesday and Wednesday.
They reported that three people were killed and 36 were injured.
Reports differ about the nationalities of the two people killed in Abha.
The Houthis claimed they attacked both airports, including Riyadh’s airport with a missile.
Saudi authorities said the missile aimed at Riyadh was stopped before reaching its target.
The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed the missile launch platform, and one report said it struck 82 Houthi military targets.
On Saturday, regional officials said Riyadh airport was attacked again, evacuated, and air traffic stopped.
One official said a missile hit a passenger terminal and wounded people, but Saudi authorities had not confirmed those details in the reports.
The attacks took place as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen intensified.
Saudi civil aviation authorities said attacks on Abha and Riyadh airports on Tuesday and Wednesday killed three people and injured 36.
Reported victims include two people killed at Abha and one Sudanese resident killed in Riyadh; accounts differ on the Abha victims’ nationalities.
The Houthis claimed strikes on both airports, including a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh; Saudi authorities said the missile was intercepted.
The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed the Riyadh missile launch platform, and one report said it struck 82 Houthi military targets.
Regional officials reported another Riyadh airport attack on Saturday, prompting evacuation and flight disruption; a terminal strike and injuries were reported but not independently confirmed.
- Who
- Saudi civil aviation authorities reported the initial attacks; the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on both airports.
- What
- Attacks on Abha and King Khalid International airports reportedly killed three people and injured 36; a further Riyadh airport attack was reported Saturday.
- When
- The initial attacks were reported on October 8, 2026, after occurring Tuesday and Wednesday; another Riyadh incident was reported Saturday, October 10.
- Where
- Abha and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The attacks occurred amid escalating fighting in Yemen. The Houthis described their strikes as retaliation for Saudi actions against Yemen.
Saudi Authorities and Coalition
Houthi Claims
Riyadh missile outcome
Saudi Authorities and Coalition
The Saudi-led coalition said the missile targeting Riyadh was intercepted and that it destroyed the launch platform.
Houthi Claims
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the missile hit accurately and disrupted air traffic.
Justification for attacks
Saudi Authorities and Coalition
Saudi authorities condemned attacks on civilian facilities and said Saudi Arabia had the right to defend its territory.
Houthi Claims
The Houthis claimed responsibility for earlier attacks and said they were responding to Saudi actions against Yemen.
Saturday Riyadh incident
Saudi Authorities and Coalition
Saudi officials had not immediately commented on the Saturday report in the cited accounts.
Houthi Claims
The Houthis had not issued an immediate claim or statement about the Saturday incident.
- Airports targeted
- Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- Initial attack timing
- Tuesday and Wednesday; reports published October 8, 2026
- Initial reported toll
- Three killed and 36 injured, according to Saudi civil aviation authorities
- Abha toll
- Two killed and 28 injured; reports disagree on the victims’ nationalities
- Riyadh toll
- One Sudanese resident killed and eight injured in the initial attacks
- Coalition response
- The coalition said it destroyed the Riyadh missile launch platform; one report said it struck 82 Houthi military targets
- Later Riyadh report
- Regional officials said the airport was evacuated and air traffic stopped on Saturday; one official reported a terminal strike and injuries
Sources
Riyadh Airport Attacked Again, Evacuated, Air Traffic Stopped: Report
Houthi Attacks Hit Saudi Arabia's Abha, King Khalid Airports, Leaving 3 And 36 Injured Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict | Video
Saudi Says Airport Attacks In Riyadh, Abha Kill 3, Injure 36 After Houthis Claim Strikes
Saudi airport attacked again: Missile strike reported, many wounded; passengers evacuated, flights diverted
Three killed, 36 wounded in attacks on two Saudi airports as Houthis claim strikes
3 killed, dozens injured in Houthi attacks on two Saudi airports
Three Killed in Riyadh, Abha Airport Attacks: Saudi Civil Aviation
Riyadh Airport Attacked Again, Evacuated as Air Traffic Halts Amid Rising Saudi-Yemen Tensions
Saudi Officials Report Another Attack on Airport in Capital Riyadh
Missile strikes passenger terminal at Riyadh airport and many are wounded, official says
Saudi Says 3 Killed In Houthi Attacks On Its Airports As Conflict Deepens
US-Iran War Live News Updates: 3 killed, 36 injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports
Umrah pilgrims getting ready to board as Houthi attack hit Riyadh Airport: Video
