In brief
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport suffered a second enemy strike in two days as the Yemen‑backed Houthi forces target Saudi airbases. A projectile ignited a fire in a passenger hall, injuring dozens and prompting evacuations. The attack follows a fatal blow that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. Saudi air defenses intercepted a missile but the airport’s response was still underway. Global leaders, including the US and the UK, signaled potential support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions.
A projectile slammed into King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, setting ablaze a passenger hall and injuring dozens of people, officials say. The strike follows a fatal attack on the same hub on Saturday that killed 13 people and wounded 308 others.
The Yemen‑backed Houthi group, which has claimed responsibility for the strikes, warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi airspace. They state their aims are to punish Saudi Arabia for supporting forces in Yemen and for retaliating over a recent airstrike on the capital of Yemen.
Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted a missile near the airport before the fire broke out. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition called Saturday’s strike a war crime.
International reaction has been swift. The UK’s Defence Secretary indicated possible further support, while the US President signalled that decisions about strikes against the Houthis would be made promptly. Global travel advisories now advise caution for areas within 10km of the Yemen border.
The May 2026 ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi forces collapsed last month, escalating attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The Houthi group continues to control about a quarter of Yemen and aims for expanded influence at the cost of regional instability.
