World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport raise fears over Saudi capital’s safety
Yemen’s Houthi movement attacked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300.
A second strike the next day killed one person and injured at least 11 others.
The Houthis also fired missiles at oil facilities and Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia.
They said the attacks were in response to Saudi support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war and a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport earlier this year.
The airport attack has unsettled foreign residents, some of whom are questioning whether it is safe for their families to remain in Riyadh.
It has also challenged Saudi efforts to present the kingdom as a secure place for business, tourism and investment.
A major energy conference drew only a handful of delegates, and the attacks came two weeks before the kingdom’s Future Investment Initiative business event.
Houthi strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300 on Saturday.
A second strike the following day killed one person and injured at least 11 others.
The attacks have unsettled expatriate families and raised questions about the safety of civilian spaces in the Saudi capital.
The Houthis said the attacks were in response to Riyadh’s support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war and a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport earlier this year.
The strikes have also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s image as a secure destination for business, tourism and investment.
- Who
- Yemen’s Houthis carried out the attacks. People at King Khalid International Airport were among those killed and injured.
- What
- Strikes hit Riyadh’s main airport. A second strike the following day also caused deaths and injuries.
- When
- The first attack was on Saturday; the second was the following day. The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The Houthis said the attacks responded to Riyadh’s support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war and a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport earlier this year.
Houthis
Bilal, a British expatriate quoted by Middle East Eye
Reason for the attacks
Houthis
The Houthis said they were responding to Riyadh’s support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war and a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport earlier this year.
Bilal, a British expatriate quoted by Middle East Eye
Bilal said there was no justification for attacks on ordinary people or a civilian facility.
Saudi Arabia carried out an air strike on Sanaa airport, which the Houthis cited as a reason for their attacks.
Houthi strikes on King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
A second strike killed one person and injured at least 11 others.
A major energy conference drew only a handful of delegates, according to Middle East Eye.
- Deaths in first attack
- At least 12
- Injuries in first attack
- More than 300
- Second strike
- One killed and at least 11 injured
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Other targets mentioned
- Oil facilities and Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia
What people are saying
Pilgrims should never have to fear for their lives while travelling on a religious journey.
There's no way the Houthis can spin this. There's no justifying attacks on ordinary people, and no way they can defend striking a civilian facility - whatever the Saudi-led coalition did in the war years ago.
I have no intention of returning to the UK. My family and I have made a life here. But would I consider sending them back if the situation spiralled and there were more frequent attacks? Absolutely.
My children are also pretty scared by what's happening,
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard likely directed Fairford plot
Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut
Doval speaks with Iranian counterpart after ships attacked near Strait of Hormuz
Two killed and two injured in three-vehicle crash in Sakarya
PKK withdraws from four camps in northern Iraq as peace process advances
Unexploded munition kills teenager and injures 24 on hike in northern Israel
Houthis warn of retaliation if US joins attacks on Yemen
Two people killed and two injured in car crash in Bingöl
Pakistani resident killed and 11 injured in Riyadh airport attack
Riyadh airport strike kills one and injures 11 a day after deadly attack
Riyadh airport hit again as Houthis warn airlines to avoid Saudi airspace
