At least three killed and dozens injured as Houthis strike Saudi airports

At least three individuals lost their lives and dozens sustained injuries after Houthi militants launched attacks on two of Saudi Arabia's international airports, including the capital Riyadh. The incidents unfolded over Tuesday and Wednesday, with Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport bearing the brunt of the assault. The kingdom's civil aviation authority confirmed the attacks in a statement released on Wednesday.

Tragically, an Egyptian and an Algerian national met their demise at Abha airport, while a Sudanese national perished at Riyadh's airport. A total of 36 people were injured during the assaults. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which included a ballistic missile strike targeting King Khalid International Airport.

The conflict is escalating, with regional powers becoming increasingly involved. Pakistan and Turkey recently agreed to activate the Mecca Pact, a joint defense agreement they signed with Saudi Arabia in August. Turkey is reportedly preparing to dispatch troops and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia to bolster the kingdom's defenses, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. Pakistan, too, has pledged to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia as part of the pact.

In addition, Saudi Arabia is intensifying airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government. The United Nations reported on Wednesday that over 200,000 individuals have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. Earlier this week, the internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, initiated a counter-offensive aimed at reclaiming Red Sea coastal territory that the Houthis seized last month. The battle lines have been fluid, with videos showing fierce fighting and intense clashes.