Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen’s Houthi rebels of killing at least 12 people and injuring 300 others in a third attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh within a week, prompting widespread international condemnation and raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority, the attack on Saturday, October 10, claimed the lives of four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshi citizens and one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt.
The incident was described as the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade.
Details of the deadly attack
The attack comes as fighting intensifies in Yemen, where the Houthis are battling forces aligned with the internationally recognised government.
Saudi Arabia has been conducting airstrikes against the Iran-backed group in support of the Yemeni government’s military campaign.
United States President Donald Trump condemned the attack, describing it as “terrible”, and said Washington was evaluating whether to join Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Houthis.
Trump added that he expected to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the United States considered its next steps.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen had been killed in the attack and called for an end to the assaults.
He expressed Washington’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the attack, saying he was deeply shocked by the loss of life.
He warned that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law and must cease immediately.
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, described the strikes on civilian airports as a grave escalation, warning that they threaten regional security and undermine ongoing efforts to achieve peace in Yemen.
International reactions and condemnations
Several countries across the Middle East and beyond also condemned the attack.
Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, Jordan, Oman and Palestine expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for respect for its sovereignty and the protection of civilians.
Japan also strongly condemned the repeated attacks, saying assaults on civilians could not be tolerated.
Qatar described the incident as a threat to regional security and civil aviation, while Pakistan called it an act of terrorism that endangered regional peace and stability.
Jordan’s King Abdullah conveyed his condolences to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Amman’s support for Riyadh.
Oman urged restraint and called on all parties to prioritise dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Palestine also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported measures to protect its citizens and residents.
The growing international reaction comes amid fears that continued attacks and retaliatory military operations could widen the conflict and further destabilise the region.
Concerns over regional stability
The possibility of direct US involvement in Saudi Arabia’s campaign against the Houthis has added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile security situation.
