World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia raise risks to airports and oil facilities
The Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting airports and energy facilities.
A missile strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday killed 13 people and injured more than 300, and another attack the next day killed one civilian and injured 11.
The Houthis also said they attacked an airport in Dammam and two oil facilities, while Saudi Arabia has targeted missile launch sites and other military infrastructure in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia says 136 military targets have been destroyed, but its years of military intervention in Yemen did not defeat the Houthis.
The group controls large areas of northern Yemen and parts of the western coast, where it disrupts shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The attacks threaten Saudi energy security and oil exports, including after drones damaged the East-West oil pipeline in early September.
Britain and France have pledged military support to defend Saudi infrastructure, while the United States recently declined to fight alongside Saudi Arabia; whether Washington changes course remains uncertain.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have killed civilians and targeted airports and oil facilities, increasing risks to the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.
A missile attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to DW.
A second attack on Sunday killed another civilian and injured 11 people.
The Houthis said they also attacked an airport in Dammam and two oil facilities within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabia has targeted Houthi military infrastructure and is seeking partners to help defend its infrastructure.
- Who
- Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia and Saudi Arabia.
- What
- The Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia has struck Houthi military targets and is seeking support from allies.
- When
- The attacks described occurred on Saturday and Sunday, and within the 24 hours before the article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia; Saudi strikes have targeted sites in Yemen.
- Why
- The Houthis are escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia. The sources do not state their specific reason for the attacks.
Saudi Arabia
Houthi militia
Attacks
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia says the attacks threaten its people and energy security.
Houthi militia
The Houthis said they attacked an airport in Dammam and two oil facilities; their reasons are not stated.
Military response
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is targeting Houthi missile launch pads, storage facilities and other military infrastructure in Yemen.
Houthi militia
The Houthis are described as well-entrenched in Yemen and able to withstand considerable blows.
War aims
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is focused on reducing its vulnerability and securing partners, according to an analyst quoted by DW.
Houthi militia
The article says the Houthis can disrupt Saudi oil exports and Vision 2030 without winning militarily.
A Saudi-led international coalition was formed.
Saudi Arabia led a military intervention in Yemen that did not defeat the Houthi militia.
Drones severely damaged the Saudi East-West oil pipeline, temporarily disrupting oil exports.
The United Kingdom and France pledged military support to defend Saudi infrastructure.
An American Enterprise Institute report quoted Saudi military spokesman Turki al-Maliki as saying 136 military targets had been destroyed.
Houthi attacks killed 14 people in Saudi Arabia and injured more than 311, according to the article.
- Riyadh airport attack
- 13 people killed; more than 300 injured
- Second attack
- 1 civilian killed; 11 injured
- Additional reported targets
- Dammam airport and 2 oil facilities
- Saudi strikes
- 136 military targets reportedly destroyed
- Pipeline damage
- Saudi East-West oil pipeline, early September
- French support offer
- Troops, radar systems and air defense technology for the Yanbu oil terminal
What people are saying
If the costs of the war continue to rise, Riyadh might look for a way to withdraw from the conflict.
To eliminate the Houthis, ground troops would be needed but Riyadh has no experience with this type of warfare, especially in a foreign country.
Sources
Related news
Saudi-led coalition warns civilians before reported strike on Sanaa oil site
Canada, France, U.K. and Australia urge Abbas to reverse election delay
Houthis claim attack on Riyadh airport as Saudi Arabia reports intercepts
Trump criticizes Houthis over increased attacks on Saudi Arabia
Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families
Houthi advance tightens siege around Yemen’s Taiz
Turkish presenter Serap Belovacıklı faces investigation over social media post
UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident
Teenager killed and 24 injured in blast during hike in northern Israel
Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut
Erdoğan condemns Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport and backs Saudi Arabia
