Three Saudi citizens, including a pilot with Saudia Airlines, were killed in Houthi strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport and an aircraft in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. Several other people of different nationalities were injured, with the severity of their injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The deceased pilot was identified as Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, according to Saudi authorities. The attacks also damaged a Saudia Airlines aircraft that was on the ground without any passengers on board at the time.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attacks involved two separate strikes. The first targeted airport facilities, while the second hit an aircraft belonging to the national carrier. Airport operations and air traffic subsequently returned to normal.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile, according to reports. The group also claimed to have targeted an airport in the southwestern Saudi city of Najran, although Saudi authorities had not confirmed that attack.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the growing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The violence has intensified following the collapse of a truce that had been in place since 2022. The two sides have exchanged attacks as Houthi forces seek to consolidate their control over strategic areas in Yemen, including parts of the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The attacks also followed a warning issued by the Houthis on October 5, declaring that Saudi airspace was no longer safe and could become a theatre of military operations. The warning reportedly included exceptions for airspace above the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has reportedly ruled out agreeing to a truce until Yemen’s internationally recognised government regains the territory lost to the rebels. Riyadh has also indicated that it will not yield to what it describes as Houthi military pressure.
Earlier this week, the Saudi-led coalition announced its participation in a counteroffensive supporting Yemen’s government, reportedly deploying around 100 aircraft. Yemeni government forces have also claimed progress in securing strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The latest attacks have raised fresh concerns over regional security and potential disruptions to international air travel. Despite the damage and casualties, Saudi authorities said airport operations had resumed normally following the incident.
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