Houthis claim fresh missile strikes on Riyadh airport hours after flights resume

Yemeni Houthi group has asserted responsibility for recent missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, just after the kingdom announced flights had resumed. The airport displayed numerous domestic and international flights on Sunday, including arrivals from Dubai, Paris, and Cairo; however, some departures were still cancelled according to Flightradar24, a flight-tracking website.

The resumption of operations coincided with increasing security concerns following an explosion in Riyadh early Sunday, prompting text alerts alerting residents of an enemy threat against the city.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group executed three military operations involving dozens of ballistic missiles, asserting that the attack on the airport had hit its mark. Saudi authorities have not commented on the latest alleged assault or provided additional details about the extent of the airport's resumed operations. Saree also stated that the group had targeted King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and a naval base in Jazan, both located in southern Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis have launched multiple strikes on the Riyadh airport. An earlier attack this month reportedly killed 13 people and injured over 300, marking the deadliest incident in over a decade. The disruption to Riyadh airport has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia, leading to the postponement of a major investment conference until 2027 and several events being cancelled, postponed, or relocated due to the ongoing conflict.

Saree had previously warned that Riyadh airport remained "unsafe" and a military target for the Houthi forces. He warned that "the Yemeni Armed Forces warn all international, regional and local airlines, as well as their staff and travelers, against using King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, as it is unsafe and a military target for our forces. The Saudi regime will bear the consequences of any operations at the airport."