Saudi authorities say an attack on Riyadh's international airport killed 12 people and wounded more than 300, the latest in a series of strikes during the week-old coalition offensive against Yemen's Houthis.
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Key facts
- Saudi authorities say 12 people were killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport.
- More than 300 people were injured, with the BBC reporting 309 wounded.
- The dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a U.S. citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese.
- The airport has been targeted multiple times in the past week.
- The attack follows a Saudi-led coalition offensive against Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.
Saudi authorities say an attack on Saturday against King Khalid International Airport in the capital, Riyadh, killed 12 people and injured more than 300. The BBC reported that 309 people were wounded in the strike.
According to NPR, a Saudi statement said the dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a U.S. citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese. The statement added that some of those injured were in critical condition.
The attack is the latest of several targeting the airport in the past week. CNBC reported that the facility has been hit multiple times since a Saudi-led coalition launched a military offensive against Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.
The BBC noted that the attack came days after Yemen’s Houthis said they had struck the airport. The sources provided did not specify who carried out Saturday’s attack.
NPR reported that the attack is expected to increase Saudi pressure on allies, including the United States, to provide military support for the kingdom.
The casualties span multiple nationalities, reflecting the international traffic that passes through the airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Why it matters
A deadly strike on a major international airport underscores how the conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen's Houthis is spilling into civilian areas and affecting people from many countries. The attack could draw Saudi allies, including the United States, further into the conflict if Riyadh presses for military support.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed and injured in the Riyadh airport attack?
Saudi authorities say 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured. The BBC reported that 309 people were wounded, and NPR reported that some of the injured were in critical condition.
What nationalities were among those killed?
According to NPR, the dead included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a U.S. citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese.
Why was the airport attacked?
CNBC reported the airport has been targeted multiple times since a Saudi-led coalition launched a military offensive against Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The BBC noted the attack came days after the Houthis said they had struck the airport.
Timeline
- Twelve killed and 300 injured in attack on airport in Saudi capital Riyadh
BBC World: Saudi and US officials blame the attack on Yemen's Houthis, who have not taken responsibility for the latest strike.
- Twelve killed, more than 300 injured in Riyadh airport attack
Al Jazeera: Saudi Arabia has confirmed at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured after Houthi fighters struck Riyadh.
- Attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and wounded over 300 more, Saudi authorities say
NPR News: Saudi authorities say the latest attack on the international airport in the capital, Riyadh, has killed 12 people and injured over 300. Their statement says the dead on Saturday included four Saudi citizens as well as two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a U.S. citizen, an E
- Attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and wounded more than 300, Saudi authorities say
CNBC Top News: The airport has been targeted multiple times in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a military offensive against Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.
- Twelve killed in attack on airport in Saudi capital Riyadh
BBC World: Another 309 people are injured in the attack on the airport, which come days after Yemen's Houthis said they had struck it.
- Saudi authorities say attack on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and wounded over 300 more
CNBC Top News: The airport has been targeted multiple times in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a military offensive against Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen.