Tensions have spiked across the Gulf region after drone and missile strikes hit two major international airports in Saudi Arabia within a span of two days. The attacks on King Khalid International Airport in the capital Riyadh and the Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia resulted in the deaths of 3 people and left 36 others injured. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia officially confirmed the incidents, stating that the attacks occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, causing damage to airport infrastructure.
Details of the Attacks on Abha and Riyadh Airports
The first attack took place on Tuesday at the Abha International Airport located in the Asir province. Two female nationals, one from Morocco and another from Algeria, lost their lives in the strike. A total of 28 people were injured, including Saudi nationals as well as citizens from Bangladesh and the Philippines. All injured individuals were immediately rushed to hospitals for medical treatment.
The second attack occurred on Wednesday targeting the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. A Sudanese national was killed in this strike, while 8 others sustained injuries. The injured included 5 Saudi nationals, 2 Egyptian citizens, and a Pakistani national. Aviation authorities reported that emergency response teams swiftly evacuated the wounded to nearby medical facilities.
Houthis Claim Responsibility as Saudi Coalition Retaliates
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for both airport attacks. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was targeted using multiple drones. They also claimed responsibility for ballistic missile and drone strikes on Abha International Airport and the Khamis Mushait airbase.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition announced that it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile headed towards Riyadh. According to coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, the missile was intercepted north of Riyadh, and the launch platform located in Yemen's capital Sanaa was subsequently destroyed in a retaliatory strike.
Rising Regional Concerns
Fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has intensified in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety and regional stability as air traffic and security measures are being rigorously reviewed by authorities.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the claims made in videos circulating on social media platforms. These events remain a subject of widespread public discussion. Video Credit: Respective Social Media Handles / Creators.
National Desk, The Freelance
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