Houthi missile attacks strike Riyadh airport causing casualties

On October 10 and 11, 2026, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a series of missile strikes targeting the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The attack on Saturday resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries, marking the deadliest such incident in a decade. A follow-up strike on Sunday hit Terminal 4, killing one Pakistani national and wounding 11 others. The Saudi-led coalition characterized these actions as war crimes, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for the operations, labeling Saudi airports as legitimate military targets.

In response to the escalation, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting additional ballistic missiles and cruise missiles near Riyadh and retaliation strikes against Sanaa airport in Yemen. The security situation has forced several international airlines to suspend routes and adjust flight schedules. The US government is currently evaluating potential military involvement in support of Saudi Arabia, while the UN special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned that this surge in violence severely threatens regional stability and peace efforts.

Following the attacks, the US embassy tightened security protocols for its staff, requiring special authorization to access airports in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Investigations into the extent of the damage are ongoing, and Saudi aviation authorities remain on high alert as they manage the fallout from the unprecedented frequency of these attacks.