Riyadh airport strike leaves 12 dead, 309 injured

An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 309 others, according to Saudi Arabia's confirmation on Sunday. The General Authority of Civil Aviation reported that the attack caused extensive casualties and damage to airport facilities. Injuries included victims from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.

Several critical condition patients were receiving treatment at hospitals across the capital. The fatalities consisted of four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The attack marked the third on Riyadh's international airport within a week, raising concerns about civilian aviation security.

Airport operations were suspended immediately following the strike, allowing emergency personnel to assist casualties and inspect damaged facilities. Approximately 260 flights were canceled, and 219 experienced delays on Saturday, impacting both domestic and international carriers. The Saudi-led military coalition condemned the attack, deeming it a violation of international humanitarian law.

The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, have intensified missile and drone operations against Saudi targets in retaliation for Saudi military operations. The attack occurred without advance warning from Saudi Arabia's threat alert system, despite heightened security precautions. US President Donald Trump expressed possible American involvement in military operations against the Houthis.

The incident has heightened international concern over civilian aviation security and the deteriorating security situation in Yemen.