12 killed and 309 injured in attack on Riyadh airport

On Saturday, a devastating attack targeted Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia, resulting in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, marking the deadliest incident in the kingdom's conflict with Yemen's Houthis in over a decade. Saudi civil aviation authorities halted airport operations temporarily for damage assessment. The US cautioned its citizens against visiting the airport in Riyadh, while the UK described the incident as "serious," prompting several airlines to cancel flights.

President Donald Trump pledged to discuss the matter with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon his return from Washington. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, confirmed that an American was among the victims, emphasizing the "reprehensible" nature of the attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hospitals were inundated with the wounded, many in critical condition, following the unannounced assault that caught Saudi Arabia's threat warning system off guard.

This week's previous attacks on the same airport resulted in four deaths and significant damage to a commercial plane. The Houthis, supported by Iran, are currently battling a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, aiming to regain territory seized by the militant group. The Saudi-led coalition has asserted its intent to "eliminate" the Houthis, who control a significant portion of Yemen's population, including its capital, Sanaa.

The kingdom's defense capabilities are being challenged as it conducts airstrikes against the Houthis in Houthi-held areas, while the Houthis claim civilian casualties including women and children in these strikes.