Saudi Arabia says 1 dead, 11 injured in latest attack on Riyadh airport | Conflict News
Attack on Riyadh Airport Kills Pakistani National, Injures Others
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was struck by a projectile on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of a Pakistani resident and injuries to 11 others, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The GACA confirmed the fatality and indicated that those injured were transferred to multiple hospitals for treatment.
The attack on terminals 3 and 4, which primarily serve domestic flights, occurred just one day after a Houthi missile strike on the airport, which killed 12 individuals and injured over 300, as reported by the Saudi-led coalition combatting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In a statement, India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia also reported that one of its citizens succumbed to injuries sustained during Saturday’s missile strike, raising the total death toll to 13.
Following the latest incident, GACA announced that damage assessments and safety inspections of the airport were initiated.
A witness, who was on board an aircraft taxiing at the airport, reported to Reuters that a projectile hit the tarmac near parked planes at approximately 8:30 PM local time, igniting a fire. The aircraft then returned to the gate, where passengers were directed to disembark.
Riyadh’s airport has faced four attacks in five days. Earlier assaults included one on Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot, according to GACA. The airport remains closed following the deadliest attack the country has seen since the escalation of the conflict in Yemen connected to the US-Israel war on Iran that began in late February.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes prior to Sunday’s incident.
The recent escalation of violence raises concerns regarding global oil supplies and prices, as well as commercial shipping routes in the region, particularly through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering military intervention against the Houthis and plans to discuss the situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is seeking support. As of Sunday, there were no indications that President Trump had reached out to the Crown Prince following his earlier remarks.
Fears persist that U.S. involvement could provoke the Houthis to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, further complicating oil exports from the Gulf region. The Houthis gained control of strategic areas in the strait last month, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to pursue efforts to reclaim territory for the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
