Deadly airport attacks: Saudi says resilience tested, vows response
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s energy minister on Monday said the country had been tested but would mount a “serious” response after a string of attacks on Riyadh’s international airport by Yemen’s Houthis that left 18 people dead. Lethal airport strikes since last week have rocked the world’s top oil exporter, which is pursuing an expensive economic reform drive aimed at attracting foreign investment.…
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's energy minister declared the nation had been "tested" but vowed a "serious" response following a series of attacks on the kingdom's international airport by Houthi rebels, resulting in 18 deaths. The assaults, which began last week, have significantly impacted the top oil producer, currently undergoing costly economic reforms to attract foreign investment.
The ongoing Yemeni civil war, involving a Saudi-led military coalition backing the government against the Houthis, has escalated amidst the US-Iran conflict, raising energy market concerns. Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman addressed an energy conference in Riyadh, stating, "Energy security cannot be taken for granted." He emphasized that the recent events have "tested our infrastructure, our institutions, our people, and our resilience."
On Saturday, Houthi strikes killed 13 people and injured hundreds at King Khalid International Airport, the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in over a decade. Four more fatalities occurred on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, with an additional death reported on Monday. Airport operations were suspended Monday. CCTV footage from Saturday's attack showed Muslim pilgrims in religious attire entering departure lounges just before a flash of light and flaming debris.
Tensions remained high in Riyadh, with state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reporting that the military coalition was responding to threats from drones and missiles. Australia's embassy advised citizens in the city to take shelter. The Houthis claimed multiple attacks in the past 24 hours, including on the airport, and threatened to continue targeting Saudi transit hubs.
The coalition reported another strike on Riyadh airport, causing a fire, while air defenses intercepted a missile. Locals in Riyadh reported hearing multiple blasts. Saudi Arabia's air defenses have intercepted some Houthi missile and drone assaults, but the vast country size makes complete defense difficult, according to Thomas Juneau, a security analyst at Ottawa University.
The coalition labeled Saturday's strike a "full-fledged war crime" and pledged a "decisive" response. The attack drew condemnation from the United Nations and leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering joining Saudi strikes against the Houthis. Iran, which supports the Houthis, expressed deep concern over the recent escalation.
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