Saudi Arabia has suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport following an attack that resulted in several injuries. The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia stated in a statement that this attack targeted civilian aviation facilities in the kingdom.
Details of the Attack and the Condition of the Injured
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the attack on Riyadh Airport occurred on Saturday and resulted in several injuries. The condition of the injured is under assessment. A Saudi official, who requested anonymity, told the Associated Press that several people were injured after a missile struck a passenger terminal.
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AFP also reported that several people were injured, citing a local medical source who requested anonymity, stating that emergency doctors have been called to hospitals across Riyadh. This source said: "We are facing a serious emergency situation. The injured are being transferred to hospitals."
International Reactions and Impact on Flights
Several Western embassies in Riyadh, including those of Germany, the United States, Canada, and Spain, advised their citizens to avoid going to the airport. The U.S. embassy stated that it is aware of the attacks at the airport, and the Spanish embassy referred to a new attack by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Canadian embassy also warned about ongoing military activities.
Following this attack, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways canceled several flights between their hubs and Riyadh, with some cancellations extending to Monday. Additionally, Kuwait Airways also canceled its flights on Saturday.
These reports come as clashes between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government in Yemen have intensified. Iranian-backed Houthis have carried out attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including several attacks on Riyadh Airport, resulting in four deaths and several injuries.
The Saudi-backed government in Yemen announced last week the launch of a retaliatory attack to reclaim areas controlled by the Houthis, particularly around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. These clashes are seen as a significant escalation in the years-long conflict between the Houthis and the Riyadh-backed government.
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