Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport

Three Saudi nationals lost their lives in two attacks on the international airport in Riyadh, as reported by the country's civil aviation authority, following claims by Yemen's Houthis. In addition to the fatalities, numerous individuals suffered injuries from various nationalities. The first assault occurred on Thursday, targeting the airport, while the second strike was directed at a Saudia aircraft, resulting in the loss of one pilot's life, according to the airline's statement.

Air traffic has since resumed normal operations, the civil aviation authority stated. Yemen's Houthi group asserted they executed the attacks using two missiles, with reports also indicating a similar attack on an airport in Najran city near the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as an attack on the Khamis Mushait air base. Saudi Arabia has not officially confirmed these accusations.

This tragedy follows a series of three deaths in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports on October 6 and 7, resulting in 28 injuries at Abha International Airport and one fatality at King Khalid airport. The recent surge in violence stems from ongoing clashes between Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis, who hold control over most of the northwestern region.

The Houthis claimed the two previous assaults on Saudi airports were retaliation for Saudi airstrikes. They justify their actions by alleging that Saudi Arabia supports government forces in Yemen's civil war. The conflict has intensified recently as the Houthis have seized vital sections of the Red Sea coast, including the strategically significant port of Mokha in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

This narrowest point of the Red Sea serves as a critical chokepoint for global shipping. However, Yemeni pro-government forces claim to have regained control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. A Saudi-led coalition was established in 2015 to counter the Houthis' advance into Yemen, replacing the internationally recognized government.

Following years of air strikes and ground battles with a high death toll, a temporary ceasefire was agreed upon in 2022, but it began to disintegrate in July. The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, initiating missile and drone strikes on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and tankers in the Red Sea, claiming they are retaliating against what they perceive as a prolonged Saudi blockade and an airstrike on Sanaa airport.