Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport
Three Saudi nationals were killed in two separate Houthi‑missile strikes on the capital’s international airport, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority.
The attacks also wounded several Saudi citizens and residents of other nationalities, the authority said.
The first strike hit the airport itself on Thursday, while the second, occurring later, struck a Saudia aircraft, killing one of its pilots.
Air traffic control was temporarily suspended but resumed normal operations after the incidents.
The Houthi rebel group, backed by Iran, confirmed launching two missiles and said it had targeted other Saudi airports, including Abha and King Khalid, that had seen casualties earlier this week.
The Houthis cited retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and a broader strategy to pressure Riyadh by disrupting aviation and shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Analysts warn the escalation could draw in regional powers and threaten commercial maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital chokepoint for global trade.
