World · Middle East · 10 hrs ago
EU condemns deadly strike on Riyadh airport and warns of wider violence
An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said those killed included Saudi citizens and nationals of several other countries.
The Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has claimed responsibility for other strikes on Saudi airports.
EU leaders condemned the attack and called for an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
They warned that the violence could spread and disrupt transport and energy routes.
The airport strike was the third reported attack there in a week, and airlines, airport workers and travellers had been warned against using Saudi airports and airspace.
Flights to Riyadh were diverted or cancelled, and the EU said closer maritime cooperation with Saudi Arabia was important.
An alleged Houthi strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Middle East Eye.
European Union leaders condemned the attack and warned that strikes attributed to Iran’s proxies could fuel wider regional violence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for attacks on civilians to stop and said the EU stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the strike an appalling act of terror and said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure could not be justified.
The strike was reported as the third attack on Riyadh airport in a week, amid renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
- Who
- The Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi movement for the strike. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, condemned it.
- What
- An alleged Houthi strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.
- When
- Saturday; the article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis. The sources do not state a specific reason for the strike.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
These attacks by Iran’s proxies are pushing the region into a spiral of violence. They are destabilising crucial global transport and energy nodes with shockwaves sent through the world. These murderous attacks on civilians must stop at once,
There can be no justification for indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,
appalling act of terror
dangerous escalation
The Houthis claimed responsibility for two separate strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports, which killed one person and wounded others.
A strike hit King Khalid International Airport; the Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis.
Von der Leyen called for attacks on civilians to stop, and the Houthis renewed warnings against using Saudi airports and airspace.
Middle East Eye published its report on the strike and the EU response.
- Deaths
- At least 12
- Injuries
- More than 300
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Accused group
- Yemen’s Houthi movement
- EU Commission president
- Ursula von der Leyen
- EU foreign policy chief
- Kaja Kallas
Sources
Related news
Netanyahu seeks probe into anonymous soldiers in Gaza film
Projectile hits Riyadh airport terminal in second attack in two days
Riyadh airport hit again after deadly Houthi attack
11 killed and 27 injured in tour bus crash in western Türkiye
Iran says US response to Hormuz reopening conditions is insufficient
Missile attack on Riyadh airport kills 12 and injures more than 300
Attack injures several people and halts operations at Riyadh airport
Oil chiefs and BP withdraw from Riyadh energy conference after airport attack
Gulf customs union and common market work to be accelerated
FAA warns US airlines of safety risks in Saudi airspace
US forces disable cargo ship accused of trying to breach Iran blockade
