Houthi Strikes on Saudi Airports Kill 3, Injure 36 as Yemen Conflict Escalates
What Happened
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were attacked on October 6 and 7, 2026. Casualties: Two women (Moroccan and Algerian) were killed at Abha, while a Sudanese national died in Riyadh. 28 others were injured at Abha and 8 at Riyadh, including Saudi, Egyptian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Filipino nationals. Responsibility: The Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group fired ballistic missiles and drones at both airports, saying strikes disrupted air traffic. Response: The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted missiles, destroyed a launch platform in Sanaa, and retaliated by striking 82 Houthi military sites. Regional impact: Flights were diverted, and the US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert urging citizens to exercise caution.
Key Takeaways
The attacks underscore the escalating Yemen conflict spilling into Saudi territory, directly targeting civilian infrastructure. With casualties from multiple nationalities and disruption of air traffic, the strikes highlight the growing risks to regional stability and international aviation safety.