Riyadh Airport Struck Repeatedly as Saudi Coalition and Houthis Trade Strikes

Houthi forces from Yemen carried out several strikes against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over multiple days. The strikes claimed at least 13 lives according to the BBC, while CNA reported 14 dead and over 300 wounded. Saudi authorities extended the shutdown of the facility across the week, forcing airlines to suspend travel and impacting the capital's reputation as a secure regional investment and tourism center.^2,3,4,5

Saudi air defences intercepted further projectiles fired at the capital, according to statements by the Saudi-led coalition. Saudi and allied Yemeni forces then launched widespread strikes against Sanaa. A coalition spokesman stated that operations targeted critical Houthi fuel infrastructure, including the Al-Sabaha central station, subterranean storage units, and energy terminals operated by the Yemen Petroleum Company on the capital's perimeter.^5,6,8,11,14

Prior to bombing the fuel depot, the coalition issued an evacuation directive urging local civilians to vacate adjacent zones. The Guardian described the operation as the coalition's largest raid against Houthi fuel resources, while The Hindu recorded 100 dawn coalition sorties alongside an extensive offensive by Yemeni government ground forces.^8,9,11,15

In response, Houthi officials threatened to strike Saudi targets such as oil refineries, Saudi Aramco premises, and the cities of Riyadh and Dammam. Shortly after the Sanaa bombings, blazes and blasts were reported across Saudi cities, with aerial hazard alerts issued for Riyadh and the Eastern Province.^10,12,13,14