Saudi Arabia has promised a serious response after a series of attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthis struck Riyadh’s international airport, reportedly killing 18 people over several days.
Speaking at an energy conference in Riyadh on Monday, Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the recent escalation had tested the kingdom’s infrastructure, institutions and resilience. He warned that energy security could not be taken for granted and said the response must match the seriousness of the situation.
The attacks come as Saudi Arabia pursues major economic reforms intended to attract investment and expand business activity. Repeated strikes on transport infrastructure have added security pressures to those ambitions.
Airport Attacks Leave Casualties and Disrupt Flights
Saturday’s strike on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded hundreds. Four people reportedly died in earlier attacks on Wednesday and Thursday, while another person was killed on Sunday.
Airport operations remained suspended on Monday. The disruption has affected a major gateway serving the Saudi capital, with passengers and airlines facing uncertainty over travel arrangements.
Footage released by Saudi authorities reportedly showed passengers waiting inside a departure lounge before a flash and falling debris struck the building. Witnesses described panic as people attempted to help the injured. Saudi authorities have also launched an investigation into how missiles and drones penetrated the kingdom’s air defences, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Regional Tensions Rise as Houthis Threaten Further Attacks
The Houthis claimed additional strikes over the weekend and threatened to continue targeting Saudi transport hubs. Saudi-led coalition statements described further threats involving missiles and drones, including an intercepted ballistic missile heading towards Khamis Mushait.
The coalition condemned Saturday’s airport strike as a war crime and promised a decisive response. That description represents the coalition’s position rather than a judicial determination.
The escalation has drawn international condemnation and heightened concerns about civilian safety, aviation and the wider conflict. Iran reportedly expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, while US President Donald Trump said he was considering participation in strikes against the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s government against the Houthis since 2015. The latest attacks underline the continuing challenge of protecting civilian infrastructure across the kingdom while preventing a further expansion of regional hostilities.
