Saudi organisers say 2027 Asian Cup 'on schedule' after attacks

Saudi Arabian organisers stated that the 2027 Asian Cup remains on schedule to begin on January 7, according to Al-Monitor. Despite fears following Houthi attacks on the country, the continent's top football official noted there is no rush to make a decision regarding the competition, though it could potentially be postponed to 2028.

The tournament planning follows a period of increased violence, as The National UAE reports that Houthi missile strikes on Riyadh’s international airport killed at least 13 people and injured hundreds over the weekend. The outlet further reports that the group has continued to target oil facilities and the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, alongside other airports and infrastructure across the kingdom. The Saudi-led coalition has also reported repeated strikes on key infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

In Yemen, a Houthi missile and drone attack on the presidential palace complex in Aden killed five people and wounded 16, according to The Vibes. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the group targeted what he described as a Saudi military operations headquarters. Meanwhile, The Citizen reports that the fighting has displaced over 184,000 people and prompted Turkey and Pakistan to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence pact.

Brief written by urgent.news from Al-Monitor, The Vibes, The Citizen, The National UAE — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.