Saudi Arabia says 3 killed at Riyadh airport as Yemen war expands

Three people, including a pilot, were killed in attacks on Riyadh’s international airport on Friday, as Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for a series of strikes. The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government has escalated, with the Iranian-backed fighters repeatedly targeting Saudi assets since their recent offensive.

The Saudi civil aviation authority confirmed two attacks on Thursday that resulted in the death of three citizens, including the captain of a Saudia Airlines plane. The national carrier expressed deep sorrow, citing an incident at King Khalid International Airport. The attacks disrupted diplomatic activities and international schools in the city, with flights delayed or cancelled and travelers advised to contact airlines before their trips.

The kingdom’s civil defence agency reported that debris from the explosions damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and most major population centers, have been attacking Saudi targets, including transport hubs, oil facilities, and civilian sites. Despite a counteroffensive, the Saudi military coalition has struggled to halt the Houthis’ advance, leaving the future of the truce uncertain.