US, European groups issue travel advisories after Houthis attack Riyadh airport

The US Embassy in Jordan has issued a travel advisory for Americans in the Middle East following recent hostilities, specifically citing a Houthi attack on Riyadh airport. The embassy warns of the potential for rapid escalation and advises Americans to monitor the situation closely if they plan to travel to or from the region.

In addition, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has recommended airlines avoid operating in certain parts of Saudi airspace after the Houthis attacked Riyadh airport. The EU regulator updated its conflict zone information bulletin for Saudi airspace, stating that recent Houthi attacks demonstrated their ability to strike targets within the kingdom, including the capital.

The situation intensified after Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation reported three fatalities and multiple injuries resulting from two separate attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The first attack targeted airport facilities, while the second hit a Saudi state carrier aircraft. Saudi authorities have not confirmed claims that the Houthis also struck an airport in the southwestern city of Najran and an airbase in Khamis Mushait with ballistic missiles.

The Houthis claim their attacks are retaliatory for Saudi support of Yemen's government forces in the ongoing civil war. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia maintains it is supporting UN-recognized government efforts to reclaim territory from the Houthis.