Home / War and Conflict / Saudi Airports Under Fire: 3 Dead in Attacks
Saudi Airports Under Fire: 3 Dead in Attacks
8 Oct
Summary
- Two Saudi airports attacked, killing three and injuring 36.
- Moroccan, Algerian, and Sudanese residents among casualties.
- GCC condemns Houthi attacks as systematic crimes against civilians.
On October 6 and 7, Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia were targeted in separate attacks, causing three deaths and 36 injuries. Abha's attack claimed two lives, a Moroccan and an Algerian resident, and injured 28 others, including various nationalities. At King Khalid International Airport, one Sudanese resident was killed and eight were injured, comprising Saudi, Egyptian, and Pakistani nationals. Emergency services responded swiftly, and authorities are assessing damages and ensuring operational safety.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassim Mohammed al-Budaiwi, vehemently denounced the Houthi assaults on the airports. He characterized them as "systematic crimes" and a grave breach of international law, emphasizing the GCC's solidarity with Saudi Arabia. These events occur amidst escalating conflict in Yemen and previous threats by the Houthis against Saudi airports and airspace, prompting the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh to issue a security alert for its citizens.
The Saudi-led coalition reported destroying a ballistic missile launch platform in Sanaa, Yemen, following an attack on Riyadh. Concurrently, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for multiple missile and drone attacks, including those on King Khalid International Airport and an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, citing them as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes. Saudi Arabia reiterated its right to self-defense and commitment to a political settlement in Yemen.