Fresh Projectile Hits Riyadh Airport as Saudi Facilities Face Escalated Attacks

UPDATE - follow-up to Umrah pilgrims getting ready to board as Houthi attack hit Riyadh Airport: Video: A new projectile struck Terminal 4 of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday and sparked a fire, just a day after a previous strike on the same hub killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. Saudi-led coalition forces stated that an unidentified projectile caused the latest blaze, while the Saudi civil aviation authority confirmed that an unspecified number of people suffered injuries. Later on Sunday, the authority verified a separate strike on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam in the Eastern Province.

Attacks and Warnings

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the initial Saturday attack on Riyadh and stated they also targeted Dammam airport along with two Saudi Aramco facilities. Exclusive footage published by Al Arabiya English captured Umrah pilgrims getting ready to board flights when the initial strike hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The coalition reported that Saudi air defences intercepted a cruise missile near the Riyadh airport and destroyed a drone in the Eastern Province. At Dammam, an eyewitness on a taxiing aircraft told Reuters that a projectile struck the tarmac next to parked planes at roughly 8:30 pm local time, causing a fire and prompting the aircraft to return to the gate. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 recorded several delays and cancellations at Dammam, which serves as the kingdom's third-largest airport.

Reactions and Travel Advisories

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the weekend attacks during a televised speech on Sunday, warning that Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions. Britain's embassy advised citizens against all non-essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam, and all Saudi airports except Medina, while US aviation authorities instructed American airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over the kingdom. Meanwhile, a Saudi ministry announced that scheduled conferences in Riyadh will proceed despite the security incidents. The Saudi-led coalition continues its air campaign against the Houthis, who are fighting Yemeni government troops for the city of Taiz.

Context

These ongoing attacks highlight the severe regional security challenges facing commercial aviation and civil infrastructure across the Arabian Peninsula. The escalating conflict disrupts vital transport links and energy supply routes while putting civilian passengers and religious pilgrims directly in harm's way.