Riyadh airport attacked again after Houthi missile strike that killed 13 and injured hundreds

On Sunday, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was hit again following a missile strike carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The assault resulted in 13 casualties and over 300 injuries, eliciting strong condemnation from international entities such as the UN, the EU, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia's coalition backing Yemen's government reported that a projectile targeted Terminal 4, igniting a fire, while another missile was shot down nearby. The airport's operations were halted after the previous deadly strike on Saturday.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig Gen Yahya Saree warned all air shipping firms, experts, workers, and travelers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, as they are targeted. India's embassy in Riyadh conveyed that an Indian resident hurt during Saturday's strike had passed away. The embassy pledged to aid in repatriating the deceased's remains. The Saudi Civil Aviation General Authority is currently examining the damage and verifying the safety of the facilities.

Houthi leadership declared that Riyadh airport was among four Saudi targets struck within 24 hours, and they also claimed responsibility for assaults on Aramco's Shugadam gas site and Tanajib oil refinery in the Eastern Province, as well as King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. However, these claims haven't been confirmed by Saudi authorities.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his "deep shock" over Saturday's attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a breach of international law and must cease immediately. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the attack as a "horrific act of terror," offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The UAE strongly condemned the Houthi strikes, labeling them a "flagrant violation" of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and posing threats to its security and stability. The UAE's Foreign Ministry affirmed its full backing for Saudi Arabia and all actions taken to safeguard the kingdom's security and stability. Pakistan and Turkey, which signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia in August, also denounced the attack.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the assault "completely unacceptable," stressing that strikes on civilians and vital infrastructure must end immediately. Turkey's Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging an end to actions endangering regional stability.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as a "horrific terrorist act," calling for a united Middle East that stands resilient against threats and promotes security and prosperity for all. Russia's Foreign Ministry echoed the UN's condemnation, urging diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Egypt, Britain, Kuwait, and Iraq also condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for an immediate halt to military operations in the region.