Saudi Arabia Fends off Fresh Strikes After Deadly Airport Attacks

Saudi Arabia's energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman revealed on Monday that the kingdom had been put to the test by recent events, including a series of attacks on its international airport by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The strikes have left 18 people dead, causing significant concern for Saudi Arabia, which is currently undergoing a major economic reform drive to attract foreign investment.

The Saudi-led military coalition, supporting the government against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, has intensified its operations amid the heightened security situation. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman addressed an energy conference in Riyadh, emphasizing that the kingdom's infrastructure, institutions, people, and resilience had been tested. He stated that a serious response was required to address the gravity of the situation.

The Houthi attacks have caused widespread fear and uncertainty in Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, a particularly devastating strike at King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured hundreds. Earlier attacks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday resulted in four additional casualties. Operations at the airport remained suspended on Monday as authorities investigated the latest incident, during which a sudden explosion rocked the departure lounges, causing significant damage.

State broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reported that the military coalition was responding to drone and missile threats following Saturday's attack. Australia's embassy in Riyadh advised its citizens to shelter in place. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for multiple attacks over the past 24 hours, including the airport strikes, and threatened to continue targeting Saudi transit hubs.

The attacks have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's ability to maintain its energy security, a critical factor given the country's status as the world's top oil exporter. Despite investing in military technology, Saudi Arabia faces a daunting challenge in consistently defending its vast territory against Houthi missile and drone assaults. Analysts have noted that the sheer size of the kingdom makes it difficult for the Saudi-led coalition to provide comprehensive protection.

The escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia's infrastructure have drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations and leaders such as US President Donald Trump. The United Nations and other stakeholders have called for a decisive response from the Saudi-led coalition to counter the Houthi aggression.