Three people were killed in attacks on Riyadh airport on Thursday, Saudi authorities said, as Yemen’s Houthi movement intensified missile strikes against Saudi Arabia amid an expanding regional conflict linked to the US Iran war.
The attacks injured several people, damaged a Saudia Airlines aircraft and forced airlines to cancel flights to the Saudi capital ahead of a major meeting of global oil industry leaders.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said airport operations had returned to normal, with flight tracking data showing a gradual resumption of services. Saudia Airlines confirmed that one of those killed was its employee.
In retaliation, Saudi airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, overnight, according to Houthi officials and affiliated media. A Saudi led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government said it had destroyed three Houthi missile launch platforms and warned of a firm response to attacks on civilians.
The Houthis have intensified their military campaign, threatening Saudi airspace and oil facilities while maintaining pressure on government forces in Taiz and along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The conflict has become a major concern for global energy markets as Houthi attacks threaten shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb Strait, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have added pressure to regional oil supplies.
Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from Pakistan and Turkey under a mutual defence agreement as it works with allies to counter Houthi attacks and reverse the group’s territorial gains in Yemen.
Leave a comment