Second Strike Hits Riyadh Airport Following Previous Attack

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, a strike targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to 11 others. This attack followed a previous strike on Saturday that killed 12 people and injured hundreds. The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the details of the attack and identified the deceased as a Pakistani national. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition reported that a cruise missile was intercepted by air defense systems near the airport, but no additional information was provided. The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they conducted multiple operations using ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. They specifically targeted Riyadh and Dammam airports, as well as facilities belonging to Saudi state oil company Aramco. The Houthis had warned airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, labeling them as vulnerable to attacks. They stated that airports in Mecca and Medina would not be targeted. In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has increased its military involvement in Yemen, launching strikes against the Houthis and supporting a Yemeni government counteroffensive. The Houthi-run health authority claimed that 91 Yemenis had been killed by the Saudi-led coalition in the past five weeks, with a significant portion being women and children. The Houthis also reported a Saudi airstrike on a house in Sanaa, resulting in casualties. The Saudi-led coalition condemned the Houthi attacks as a 'full-fledged war crime' and vowed a strong response. The recent surge in Houthi attacks coincides with a major military offensive by the coalition against the rebels. The conflict in Yemen has persisted for over a decade, with a truce in 2022 failing to establish a lasting peace. The ongoing US-Israeli tensions with Iran have contributed to renewed fighting in Yemen, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In response to the attacks, US President Donald Trump indicated he would speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and mentioned the possibility of US involvement in strikes against the rebels. European leaders expressed their condemnation of the attacks, with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the dangerous escalation caused by Iran's proxies. Other officials from Germany, the UK, and France also condemned the attacks, while Russia called for a political resolution to the conflict. Australia advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place due to the escalating situation.