Three Saudi Nationals Killed in Houthi Missile Attacks on Riyadh Airport

Three Saudi nationals were killed during two separate missile attacks on the international airport in Riyadh, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The agency confirmed that the assaults caused additional injuries to a number of Saudi citizens and residents of various nationalities. The first strike targeted the airport facility, while the second hit an aircraft operated by the state-owned carrier, Saudia. The airline later stated that one of its pilots was among those who lost their lives in the incident.Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the Thursday attacks, stating they used two missiles to target the capital's airport. While the group also asserted they targeted an airport in the border city of Najran and the Khamis Mushait air base further north, Saudi authorities have not confirmed these specific claims. The civil aviation authority reported that air traffic at the Riyadh hub has since returned to normal operations.These casualties arrive as fighting intensifies between the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen. The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen's north-west, stated that their recent offensive serves as a response to ongoing airstrikes and military aggression. This marks a continuation of violent surges, following reports that three people were also killed in attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid airport earlier this month.The conflict, which involves a Saudi-led coalition formed in 2015 to support the internationally recognised Yemeni government, has worsened significantly in recent weeks. Although a temporary ceasefire had been in place since 2022, the informal agreement began to unravel in July. The Houthis have since intensified their campaign, utilizing drone and missile attacks against Saudi infrastructure and tankers in the Red Sea as they challenge the Saudi-led blockade and intervention in the country's civil war.