Saudi-led coalition officials reported that a projectile landed in the vicinity of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The incident was confirmed by Major-General Turki al-Malki, who serves as the coalition's spokesperson. No details were provided about the nature of the projectile or any casualties, and authorities have not released further information on the response measures taken at the site.
In a related development, two Western diplomats who were briefed on the situation conveyed to the New York Times that an additional attack was directed at the international airport serving Riyadh on Saturday. According to the diplomats, the strike resulted in the temporary suspension of flight operations, marking a repeat disruption for the capital's air traffic.
The two incidents occurred within a short time frame, prompting heightened security alerts at both airports. While the Dammam event was described as a projectile landing near the airport perimeter, the Riyadh attack was characterized as an assault that directly impacted airport functionality, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
Both the coalition spokesperson and the diplomats emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine the perpetrators and the motives behind the attacks. The statements underscore the continued volatility in the region's aviation infrastructure, with authorities monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Airlines operating from the affected airports have been advised to adjust schedules as needed, and passengers have been urged to stay informed through official channels. The incidents highlight the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia's transport network amid broader regional tensions, though no further specifics have been released at this stage.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/projectile-lands-near-dammam-airport-fresh-attack-disrupts-riyadh.