Attacks on Riyadh threaten Saudi confidence

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was struck by a likely Houthi attack on Saturday, the third such assault this week. The incident resulted in injuries, flight cancellations, and airport suspensions, causing widespread fear and speculation across Saudi Arabia and the region. Rumors of casualties circulated, and airlines warned citizens to avoid the airport.

Saudi authorities confirmed the attack at 8:34 p.m., after warnings from the US and Canada. This escalation demonstrates that the kingdom is beginning to question its ability to maintain calm in the face of violence, a tactic that may be backfiring. Despite the US-Iran war beginning on Feb 28, Riyadh has appeared relatively untouched, with its airport remaining operational as others evacuated.

However, the Houthis are targeting Saudi oil facilities and civilian aviation, seeking to exploit any weakness in the region. The timing of these attacks coincides with major events in Riyadh, including the World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative, which may now face questions about the kingdom's ability to ensure safety for international investors.

As tensions rise, it remains uncertain if the US will join strikes on the Houthis. If so, the region may become the target of further retaliation.