Riyadh airport passenger terminal hit by ‘unidentified projectile’

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported that an unidentified projectile targeted Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, causing a fire. This incident occurred just hours after the Houthi militia had warned airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports due to vulnerability to attack. The coalition also confirmed that Saudi air defenses had intercepted a cruise missile near the airport. However, no additional information was immediately available.

The airport remained closed following a deadly attack on Saturday that killed 12 people and injured over 300 others, marking the deadliest such strike on the kingdom in over a decade. Despite the temporary closure, the Saudi Energy Ministry stated that an international energy conference, originally planned for the coming week, would proceed as scheduled in Riyadh on Sunday.

The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that the projectile targeted Terminal 4 of the airport on Sunday, but provided no further details. Earlier, the Houthi militia had warned all airlines, experts, employees, workers, and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace, citing their vulnerability to attack. The group urged everyone to take their warnings seriously, expressing that Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions.

Houthi-run media predicted that further Saudi military action would lead to an intensified response, with the principle of reciprocity guiding their actions. The Yemeni foreign ministry warned that unless Saudi Arabia stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, more violence is expected.

President Donald Trump had suggested on Saturday that the United States might join Saudi strikes against the Houthis, following a series of conflicts sparked by the US and Israel's recent military actions in February. The WPC Energy Congress, a five-day international event, was underway at a convention center located about 10 km from the airport.

Around 70 ministers, 300 company executives, and representatives from over 25 international energy organizations had confirmed their participation. It remained unclear whether attendees would join in person or virtually. Additionally, a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum was set to take place later on Sunday, with a closed-door plenary session.

Saudi authorities informed parents that in-person classes would be suspended and shifted to remote learning for the next five days, from Sunday until Thursday. The 12 fatalities in Saturday's attack included four Saudis, two Bangladeshis, and nationals from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt.