Three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, were killed in two attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, in strikes claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.
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Key facts
- Three Saudi citizens were killed, including an airline pilot, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority.
- King Khalid International Airport was subjected to two attacks on Thursday.
- Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks.
- The Saudi-led coalition vowed a 'firm' response, according to CNBC.
- It was the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia since the kingdom launched a major offensive against the Houthis last weekend, the Guardian reported.
Three Saudi citizens were killed and several other people wounded in attacks targeting Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport late on Thursday, Saudi officials said. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority said the airport was subjected to two attacks during the day.
Among those killed was an airline pilot, according to Sky News, which cited the Civil Aviation Authority. Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes, Saudi officials said, as reported by the Guardian.
The Guardian described the attack as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia since the kingdom and allied forces launched a major military offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in neighbouring Yemen last weekend.
The BBC reported that the missile attacks came amid an escalation in fighting between the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, and Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen’s government.
According to CNBC, the Saudi-led coalition vowed a ‘firm’ response following the two attacks on the airport.
The strikes form part of a wider period of regional tension. Al Jazeera reported that Iranian media described massive explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the escalating confrontation across the region.
Why it matters
The attacks mark a significant escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, striking a major international airport in the kingdom's capital. Civilian deaths and a coalition pledge of a 'firm' response raise the risk of further regional instability.
Frequently asked questions
Who claimed responsibility for the Riyadh airport attacks?
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, Saudi officials said, according to the Guardian and Sky News.
How many people were killed?
Three Saudi citizens were killed, including an airline pilot, and several other people were wounded, according to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority.
Why are Saudi Arabia and the Houthis fighting?
The BBC reported the attacks came amid an escalation between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen's government. The Guardian said the kingdom and allied forces launched a major offensive against the Houthis last weekend.
Timeline
- Iran war live: 12 killed in Riyadh, Trump to speak with Saudi Arabia’s MBS
Al Jazeera: As strikes on airports in Saudi Arabia turn deadly, Washington debates striking Houthis and restarting strikes on Iran.
- Iran war live: 12 killed in Riyadh, Saudi-led coalition vows to respond
Al Jazeera: As strikes on airports in Saudi Arabia turn deadly, Washington debates striking Houthis and restarting strikes on Iran.
- Three killed in Houthi-claimed strikes on Saudi Arabian airport
Sky News: Three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, were killed in attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, the country's civil aviation authority said.
- Pilot killed in attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Riyadh airport; Saudi-led coalition vows 'firm' response
CNBC Top News: Two attacks were launched on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport Thursday, officials said.
- Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport
BBC World: The missile attacks come amid an escalation in fighting between the Iran-backed group and Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen's government.
- Three Saudis killed in Riyadh airport attack claimed by Houthis
The Guardian World: Attack is deadliest in kingdom since it launched major military offensive with allies against Houthis in Yemen Three Saudi citizens have been killed and several other people were wounded in attacks targeting Riyadh airport for which Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility, Saudi
- Iran war live: Three Saudi citizens killed in attacks on Riyadh airport
Al Jazeera: Saudi Civil Aviation Authority says King Khalid International Airport was subjected to two attacks on Thursday.
- Iran war live: 3 Saudi citizens killed in attacks on Riyadh airport
Al Jazeera: Saudi Civil Aviation Authority says King Khalid International Airport was subjected to two attacks on Thursday.