Saudi Arabia faces economic contraction as war woes mount

The International Monetary Fund predicts that Saudi Arabia’s economy will shrink by 3.3% this year. According to Free Malaysia Today, the kingdom is facing a major economic contraction due to deadly attacks by Yemen’s Houthis and regional conflict, alongside pressure from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Free Malaysia Today notes that the country was already experiencing headwinds from the blockade of the vital oil and gas shipping route following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran in February.

The Saudi military reported on Monday that it intercepted and destroyed three Houthi ballistic missiles, with one intercepted over Riyadh and two over Khamis Mushait. Egypt Independent reports that the main international airport in the capital remains closed following a series of attacks that have killed at least 20 people and wounded hundreds over the past week.

While Egypt Independent notes that a strike on the airport killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300, Free Malaysia Today describes a series of lethal Houthi strikes on Riyadh's international airport that killed 13 people on a Saturday.

The Houthi-controlled armed forces have claimed responsibility for targeting a military base and King Khalid International Airport, warning international airlines against operating flights to Saudi airports. Egypt Independent reports that a notice to air missions indicates the airport will remain shut until at least October 17. Meanwhile, Ajel English reports that UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed affirmed his country's solidarity with Saudi Arabia during a call with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Free Malaysia Today, Ajel English, Egypt Independent — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.