Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck on Tuesday morning, resulting in at least twelve fatalities and more than three hundred people receiving medical treatment, according to Al Jazeera. The incident occurred as the airport was handling regular passenger traffic, and emergency services were deployed quickly to the scene.
The attack has been linked by Saudi officials to the Houthi movement, which has previously launched missile and drone operations against Saudi targets as part of its ongoing conflict with the kingdom. Authorities described the strike as a coordinated effort that targeted the airport's infrastructure, causing damage to terminals and surrounding facilities.
Hospitals in Riyadh reported receiving a surge of patients with injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to severe burns. Medical teams worked to stabilize the victims, and several of the injured were transferred to specialized care centers. The Saudi Ministry of Health confirmed that the casualty figures were still being updated as more information became available.
Security forces sealed off the airport and initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact nature of the weapons used and the origin of the launch. Preliminary assessments suggested that the projectiles were likely ballistic missiles, a capability that the Houthis have demonstrated in previous attacks on Saudi territory.
The Saudi government condemned the assault, labeling it an act of terrorism and vowing to strengthen defensive measures at critical infrastructure sites. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that the country would continue to protect its citizens and maintain the security of its transportation hubs.
International reactions have been swift, with several governments expressing concern over the escalation of hostilities in the region. Diplomatic channels are reportedly being used to coordinate a response and to assess the broader implications for regional stability.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on Saudi civilian facilities in recent years and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing air defense systems. Analysts note that the ability of the Houthis to reach deep into Saudi airspace underscores a growing challenge for the kingdom's security apparatus.
Further details are expected to emerge as Saudi authorities complete their investigation and as Al Jazeera continues to monitor developments related to the attack and its aftermath.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/10/11/11-10-reported-latest-attack-on-riyadh-king-khalid-airport-houthis?traffic_source=rss.