{
  "id": 12336806,
  "title": "Saudi airports attacked as Yemen's west coast battle intensifies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/saudi-airports-attacked-as-yemens-west-coast-battle-intensifies",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T08:25:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/06/saudi-airports-attacked-as-yemens-west-coast-battle-intensifies/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two airports in Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and Najran International Airport in the south, were targeted in attacks on Tuesday. The assaults resulted in minor injuries and material damage, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The GACA is currently evaluating the extent of the damage and implementing measures to safeguard passengers and staff while preserving the kingdom's civil aviation system. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks on Monday night, alleging they also struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha International Airport, and the Khamis Mushait military base. These allegations have not been independently confirmed.\n\nFlights to and from Riyadh's main airport were suspended on Tuesday, and the airport's website was inaccessible. Two Saudi nationals in Riyadh reported hearing explosions in the late afternoon. The White House advised all American citizens in the country to remain vigilant due to the ongoing security situation and potential aerial drone or missile attacks.\n\nTurkey and Pakistan pledged to provide military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia in response to the Houthi assaults. Representatives from the three nations convened in Riyadh to discuss the Makkah defense pact, which aims for the immediate deployment of agreed-upon military resources. The pact's implementation will hinge on each country's parliament approving the commitment before leaders can ratify it.\n\nThe Houthi attacks are occurring amidst ongoing clashes with Yemeni government forces along the western coast, where the Saudi-led coalition has been providing aerial support. Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki Al Malki reported that coalition forces had destroyed a ballistic missile launch platform in Sanaa and a missile storage facility in Saada, containing 20 missiles. Additionally, naval forces conducted an operation in Hodeidah, neutralizing a plot targeting waterways in the southern Red Sea, including the destruction of military targets belonging to the Houthis, weapons depots, explosive-laden boats, and naval mines.\n\nOn Monday, Yemeni government forces asserted control over the Bab Al Mandeb strait, Dhubab area overlooking the Red Sea, and the strategic port city of Mokha. However, the Houthi rebels deny losing control of these territories. The Bab Al Mandeb strait, located at the southern exit of the Red Sea, is a critical shipping route between the Mediterranean and Asia. The waterway's significance has increased this year as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed due to the ongoing Iran war.",
  "summary": "Two airports in Saudi Arabia have been attacked as battles between the Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensified along the western coast overlooking the Red Sea and the strategic Bab Al Mandeb strait. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Tuesday that the attacks targeted King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and Najran…",
  "key_points": [
    "Two Saudi airports attacked, causing minor injuries and damage",
    "Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attacks on Monday night",
    "Saudi Arabia seeks military support from Turkey and Pakistan"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Two Saudi airports targeted on Monday as fighting with Yemen's Houthis escalates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/two-saudi-airports-targeted-on-monday-as-fighting-with-yemens-houthis",
        "published": "2026-10-06T08:18:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Saudi airports attacked as Yemen's west coast battle intensifies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/saudi-airports-attacked-as-yemens-west-coast-battle-intensifies-12338159",
        "published": "2026-10-06T08:25:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}