A passenger terminal at Riyadh’s international airport was hit by a projectile on Sunday, following a deadly missile strike the previous day that claimed the lives of 12 individuals, as confirmed by the Saudi-led coalition combating Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have asserted responsibility for these assaults and others. Saudi Civil Aviation Authority reported one casualty, a Pakistani resident, and 11 injuries in the Sunday attack on King Khalid International Airport.
The missile attack on Saturday marked the most lethal incident in a Gulf Arab nation since the onset of the Iran conflict in February, resulting in around 300 additional injuries, some of which are severe. The heightened tensions in this new front of the Iran conflict raise concerns about increased U.S. military engagement, with President Donald Trump contemplating involvement in the fight against the rebels.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia disclosed the death of one of its citizens due to injuries sustained in the previous day’s attack, potentially raising the death toll to 13. Additionally, Saudi authorities reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, situated near Bahrain and Qatar, with limited information available. The Houthis claimed that the airport under their control in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, was targeted again, attributing the strikes to the Saudis without providing specifics.
The series of attacks have implications on global oil supplies and prices, as well as commercial shipping through alternative maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital passage parallel to the threatened Strait of Hormuz. The potential for a U.S. intervention could impact maritime activities and oil flow in the region, particularly amid the rebels’ control over strategic areas along the strait.
Reportedly, Saudi Arabia faces a shortage of missile interceptors and has sought air defense support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. The attacks coincide with significant events in Riyadh, such as an international energy conference and investment gatherings, reflecting the kingdom’s efforts to attract business and tourism. However, the Houthi attacks pose a threat to these initiatives.
The Houthis have declared Saudi airports and airspace as high-risk zones, cautioning against their utilization and prompting several international airlines to suspend flights. The casualties in Saturday’s attack included individuals from various nationalities, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The impact of the conflict on the broader Iran war landscape is becoming more pronounced, with the Houthis playing a crucial role in pressuring key regional players.
The cycle of violence in Yemen has reignited following a temporary ceasefire, leading to intensified clashes between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces. The recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea have heightened tensions, affecting shipping routes and regional stability. Analysts fear that the escalating attacks on Saudi infrastructure could further entrench the Saudis in the conflict rather than compel a de-escalation.