Saudi Arabia presses on with global energy summit after deadly Riyadh airport attack

Saudi Arabia proceeded with its major international energy summit on Sunday, following a deadly attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The assault resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. The International Energy Forum's 17th ministerial meeting, co-hosted by Italy and Nigeria, is taking place in conjunction with the WPC Energy Congress.

These gatherings are convening policymakers and industry leaders. Journalists with direct invitations from the IEF are the only ones granted access to the ministerial meeting; otherwise, access remains restricted. The event is proceeding despite escalating security concerns arising from past attacks on King Khalid International Airport.

Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin opted for a video link participation, rather than traveling to Riyadh. The WPC Energy Congress continues until Thursday, and organizers have arranged alternative entry routes into Riyadh. On Saturday, a projectile struck near King Fahd Airport in Dammam, marking the third attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport within a week and the deadliest in over a decade.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, which claimed four lives and injured eight foreign nationals, including one American. Two separate airport attacks this week resulted in four deaths and extensive damage to a Saudi commercial aircraft on the tarmac. The latest strike disrupted aviation, causing approximately 260 flights to be canceled and 219 delayed, according to Flightradar24 data.

Despite these incidents, Saudi Arabia remains committed to hosting high-profile events, such as the Future Investment Initiative, scheduled for October 26-29, with enhanced security measures in place.