In brief
Yeman’s Houthi group announced the launch of a ballistic missile aimed at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, claiming the strike caused significant damage. Saudi authorities have yet to confirm any damage. The claim comes amid continuing tensions between the two countries.
Yemen’s Houthi group said on Wednesday it had fired a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh and claimed the strike inflicted significant damage. The announcement was made by the group’s official channel on Xinhua news, which reported that the missile was launched from Yemen and targeted the airport located just outside the city.
The Houthis called the attack a “retaliatory measure” amid the broader conflict that has seen Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates conduct airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen.
Saudi authorities have not yet confirmed any damage at the airport. No flights have been halted, and airport officials have not issued an official statement. The lack of an immediate response means the exact outcome of the missile strike remains uncertain.
The claim follows several previous allegations that Iran‑backed Houthi militants have used drones and missiles against Saudi infrastructure. Saudi officials and regional analysts have warned that such attacks could raise tensions further, as the airport is one of the largest in the kingdom and a critical hub for international travel.
At the time of the report, the Houthi leadership reiterated that it was ready to strike again if the kingdom continued military actions in Yemen. The group's statement found support among some local opponents of the Saudi intervention, but it was largely dismissed by Saudi officials for the time being.
As the situation develops, analysts are watching the Houthis’ claim closely, noting that confirmation of damage—or lack thereof—will influence security measures around the airport and may affect the region’s conflict dynamics.
