Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport

Three Saudi nationals were killed in two attacks on Riyadh International Airport, according to the country's civil aviation authority. The attacks, carried out by Yemen's Houthi group, resulted in injuries to multiple Saudi citizens and residents of various nationalities. The first attack occurred on Thursday, while the second targeted a Saudia Airlines aircraft, killing one of its pilots. Air traffic has since resumed normal operations.

The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they targeted the airport with two missiles. Additionally, the group reported injuries at an airport in Najran and an air base in Khamis Mushait. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed these additional claims. This incident follows three other fatalities in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports on October 6 and 7, resulting in a total of six deaths and numerous injuries.

The escalation in fighting between Yemen's Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis stems from ongoing conflict in the country. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's northwest, claim the attacks are in response to Saudi aggression, which they say has seen 60 airstrikes and missile attacks in the past 24 hours. The conflict intensified recently as the Houthis seized control of strategic areas along the Red Sea, including the port of Mokha in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial chokepoint for global shipping.

Meanwhile, pro-government forces have reportedly secured the strait. A Saudi-led coalition, formed in 2015 to counter Houthi advances, brokered a temporary ceasefire in 2022, but it has since collapsed. The Houthis launched a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia and began targeting Saudi airports, oil facilities, and tankers in the Red Sea, retaliating for what they claim is a years-long Saudi blockade and an air strike on Sanaa airport.