Yemen’s Houthis Claim Riyadh Airport Attack, Warn Airlines Against Using Saudi Airports

SANAA (Terror Monitor) — Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and reiterated its warning to international airlines, airport employees and travellers against using Saudi airports, declaring them unsafe amid escalating hostilities between the group and Saudi Arabia.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a statement published on Telegram that the attacks were carried out in retaliation for what the group described as Saudi aggression against Yemen and its population.

The announcement followed Saturday’s missile attack on King Khalid International Airport, which Saudi aviation authorities said killed 12 people and injured more than 300 others. The casualties included Saudi nationals and foreign citizens, while several injured people were reported to be in critical condition.

The Houthis said the Riyadh airport operation was conducted in three phases, disrupting air traffic and forcing the airport to suspend operations.

The group also reiterated its warning that Saudi airports and airspace could face further attacks as the conflict intensifies.

Houthis Report Four Operations in 24 Hours

Saree said Houthi forces had conducted four military operations over the preceding 24 hours, targeting Saudi airports and energy infrastructure.

According to the spokesperson, the operations included three phases of attacks against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an attack on the Shuqdam gas facility, a strike against Saudi Aramco’s Tanajib oil facility and an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

The Houthi spokesperson said the operations were intended to retaliate against Saudi military actions in Yemen and pressure Riyadh to halt its campaign against the group.

Saree also said Saudi forces had carried out 124 airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen during the same 24-hour period.

The Houthi account did not provide independently verifiable evidence detailing the full extent of the damage caused by each reported operation.

Saudi Arabia has been conducting military operations in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is fighting to regain territory held by the Houthis.

The latest escalation has extended the conflict beyond Yemen’s borders, with airports and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia increasingly exposed to attacks. Reuters and other international news organizations have reported multiple Houthi operations against Saudi infrastructure over the weekend.

Houthis Warn International Airlines and Travellers

In his statement, Saree renewed the movement’s warning to international aviation companies, technical experts, airport employees, workers and travellers worldwide against operating flights to Saudi airports.

“We reiterate our warning to all international companies, experts, employees, workers and travellers from around the world against operating flights to Saudi airports because they are unsafe,” the spokesperson said, according to the statement.

He added that the warning excluded airports and airspace serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The warning raises further concerns about the safety of civilian aviation and the potential disruption of international travel to the kingdom.

Saudi authorities have already suspended airport operations following the deadly strike in Riyadh, while international airlines and foreign diplomatic missions have issued warnings and adjusted travel arrangements amid the deteriorating security situation.

The threat could also affect commercial aviation routes and the movement of international business travellers at a time when Saudi Arabia is hosting major international events and seeking to attract foreign investment.

Deadly Attack on Riyadh Airport

The Saturday attack on King Khalid International Airport marked a major escalation in the conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that 12 people were killed and 309 injured. The fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

The attack caused damage at the airport and led to the suspension of flight operations while authorities assessed the situation and responded to the casualties.

The incident followed earlier attacks targeting the same airport during the week, including a previous strike that killed three people, among them Saudi pilot Hamoud Ali Al-Kalthami, according to Saudi aviation authorities.

The repeated attacks have raised concerns over the protection of civilian infrastructure and the risk of further casualties if the conflict continues to intensify.

The Saudi-led coalition has condemned the attacks and warned of a response, describing the targeting of civilian aviation facilities as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Conflict Between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis Escalates

The latest attacks come amid renewed fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Iran-backed Houthi movement.

The Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, and have fought Yemen’s internationally recognized government for years.

Saudi Arabia has supported the Yemeni government militarily, while the Houthis have repeatedly accused Riyadh of conducting airstrikes against areas under their control.

The breakdown of the previous ceasefire arrangements and the intensification of military operations have increased the risk of a wider regional confrontation.

The latest attacks on Riyadh and Dammam, together with reported strikes against Saudi energy facilities, have heightened concerns about the security of the kingdom’s aviation and energy infrastructure.

The Houthis’ renewed warning to airlines signals that they intend to maintain pressure on Saudi Arabia through attacks and threats against strategically important facilities.

However, the full extent of the damage associated with the additional operations reported by the group has not been independently established.

The situation remains volatile, with further military action threatening civilian safety, international air travel and regional economic stability.