A recent attack on Riyadh airport has left at least 12 people dead and over 309 injured, according to the civil aviation department.
The incident, which took place on October 10, targeted the passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport.
Many of the injured are in serious condition and receiving hospital care.
The fatalities include four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, one American, one Egyptian, one Jordanian, one Syrian, one Palestinian, and one Sudanese, as reported by authorities.
This attack occurs amidst rising security tensions in the region and has led to major disruptions in air travel.
Airport Closure Following the Attack
Saudi authorities have closed the airport in response to the attack. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport, with plans to reopen when deemed safe.
Investigations into the incident are underway, and the airport is closed again, causing flight diversions and delays.
Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates regarding their flights.
The attack has significantly disrupted air travel, leading to cancellations and rescheduling by several airlines.
Saudi Coalition Attributes Attack to Houthis
The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in conflict against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, has blamed the group for the attack.
Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki stated that the attack violates international humanitarian law and that the coalition will respond appropriately.
The Houthi rebels have not yet claimed responsibility for this recent attack.
This incident follows two previous attacks on the airport last week, which resulted in multiple fatalities, including a Saudi pilot, and damage to an aircraft.
This attack marks a continuing pattern of violence linked to the ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi government.
US Condemns the Attack on Saudi Airport
The United States has condemned the attack strongly.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the attacks as acts of terrorism that violate international humanitarian law.
He urged the Houthis to cease attacks on innocent civilians in Yemen and neighboring countries.
Rubio expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, including that of an American citizen.
President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. is considering military action alongside Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, as this attack presents new challenges for the U.S.
He highlighted that the attack poses serious security risks and could escalate tensions in the region.
Rising Security Concerns After Latest Attack
The airport attacks have raised alarms about potential threats to civilian aircraft in the area.
The Houthi rebels have warned airlines not to fly over or within Saudi territory.
Authorities have cautioned that attacks on commercial flights, like the recent missile strike, pose safety risks for passengers and crew.
Security officials fear that assaults on airports, military sites, and strategic locations could increase, leading to further instability in the region.
The attack occurs amid heightened tensions between rebel groups and the Saudi royal family, as well as the Saudi-supported government in Yemen.
The Saudis and their allies have initiated a campaign to counter the Houthi rebels’ military progress.
For passengers, airlines, and regional businesses, the threats to Saudi airports and airlines present new safety and economic challenges.
Saudi authorities are expected to continue monitoring and evaluating the situation following the attack, which has already claimed many lives and disrupted transport networks.
This incident is the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab nation since the Iran war, raising serious concerns about the potential for renewed large-scale conflict in the region.