Major Saudi conferences to proceed, organisers say, despite deadly airport attack

CAIRO (AP) — The airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, was struck once more on Saturday, prompting an evacuation, according to two regional officials. This was the second attack on the airport within just two days. Earlier, three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed at the airport as Saudi Arabia confronts a wave of assaults in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

One official revealed that air travel to the airport had ceased altogether. Both officials spoke anonymously due to the confidential nature of their information. The King Khalid International Airport has previously been targeted multiple times in the past week since a Saudi-led coalition initiated a significant military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Houthis claimed credit for the previous attacks, which resulted in the death of a Sudanese citizen on Wednesday. However, no statement was issued by the Houthis on Saturday. The Saudi government-run Center for International Communication, which manages foreign media in the country, did not respond to a request for comment. A resident of Riyadh, Ahmed Sayed, reported hearing at least two powerful explosions near the capital.

The airport released a brief alert urging passengers to verify their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Battles between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have intensified in Yemen, with the Saudi-led coalition supporting the government forces in their efforts to counter the Houthi advances along the Red Sea.

The Houthis have stated they are only targeting Saudi shipping as a response to a blockade imposed on them, but worries about broader strikes persist. The Houthis have previously targeted other vessels after the Gaza war, claiming it as solidarity with Palestinians. A U.S. bombing campaign ended that. The Saudis have sought assistance from the U.S. and other allies as their airports, military installations, and oil facilities have been targeted.

On Friday, while departing the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump was questioned about the attacks on the Riyadh airport and remarked, "It's not good" and "I'm not happy." However, there has been no immediate indication of U.S. military intervention to address the attacks. In the meantime, Saudi authorities have cautioned the public that "recording, publishing, or disseminating information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal penalties."