Houthis Warn Against Using Saudi Airports After Deadly Missile Attack

The Houthi rebel group has warned against the use of Saudi airports and airspace following a missile attack that killed 12 people and injured hundreds more at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the attack as a "full-fledged war crime" and vowed retaliation.

This incident marks an escalation amid a wave of Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, occurring after a truce with Yemen's Riyadh-backed government unraveled in July. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree stated that Saudi airports remain potential targets and urged that warnings be taken seriously, placing responsibility on Saudi Arabia for failing to intercept the missiles.

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the attack as a "contemptible" and "dangerous" escalation. "What we've seen overnight is a dangerous escalation and I'm afraid an increasing pattern of behaviour from the Houthis that's targeting civilian sites in Saudi Arabia," Streeting told Sky News. He added that the UK provides support to Saudi Arabia in the form of air defenses and air-to-air refueling, emphasizing a desire for an end to the conflict and an end to Houthi attacks on civilian targets.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also labeled the attacks a "dangerous escalation," calling on the Houthis to cease strikes on civilian targets. "These attacks by Iran's proxies are pushing the region into a spiral of violence," she stated, adding that the EU stands in "solidarity with Saudi Arabia."

The attack, which occurred on a Saturday, was the deadliest on Saudi soil since May 2015. Among the 12 killed were four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis, one American, one Egyptian, one Jordanian, one Syrian, one Palestinian, and one Sudanese national. Saudia Group confirmed that one of its aircraft was damaged while on the ground, though no passengers were on board. Approximately 309 people were injured, with some in serious condition. Witnesses described scenes of panic and injury within the airport's domestic terminal.

Operations at King Khalid International Airport were suspended following the attack. Air traffic monitor Flightradar24 noted the closure was extended by 24 hours, and aviation sources indicated a halt in operations "until further notice" due to damage to systems, including radar and communications equipment. Health officials initiated a mass call-up of doctors to manage the emergency, and several pilgrims en route to Mecca were reportedly among the wounded.

The Saudi-led coalition stated it had previously intercepted missiles targeting the kingdom and destroyed launch platforms. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for earlier strikes this week, including one on Thursday that killed three people and damaged a Saudia Airlines passenger jet. Separately, debris from an intercepted missile reportedly struck a school and a medical complex in Riyadh.

The conflict in Yemen reignited in July after a UN-brokered truce collapsed. The Houthi rebels' recent actions, including seizing stretches of the Red Sea coast and attacking Saudi cities, have drawn the kingdom back into the conflict. Saudi-backed forces have launched counterattacks, but the Houthis have also made gains, surrounding the city of Taiz.

Amid the escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington might consider military action against the Houthis, stating, "We may. We're going to look at it." He added that he would speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and expressed unhappiness with the events.

Several foreign embassies, including those of the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Spain, warned their citizens to avoid the airport. A senior Western diplomat indicated that some embassies were banning staff from using the airport for a week.

The attacks occurred shortly before Riyadh's scheduled high-profile convention and entertainment season, including its investment conference, which organizers stated would proceed as planned with reassurances of security.

International partners have offered support to Saudi Arabia. The UK provides air defenses and refueling capabilities. Turkey announced it was sending defensive and technical support, including military equipment and intelligence sharing. Reports suggested Syria was considering military aid, though Syrian officials denied plans for troop deployment, emphasizing domestic priorities.

The Saudi and Omani foreign ministers discussed the importance of diplomatic solutions to de-escalate regional tensions, with Oman often playing a mediation role.