Riyadh:Yemen's Houthi group announced that it had targeted the main airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with a ballistic missile. The military spokesman for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, stated that King Khalid International Airport was struck with a ballistic missile, claiming a precise and direct hit.
According to Anadolu Agency, the timing of the attack and details regarding casualties or damage were not disclosed by Saree. This announcement follows a series of attacks from October 5 to October 11 on five Saudi airports, which resulted in 20 deaths and hundreds of injuries, along with significant property damage and flight disruptions.
King Khalid International Airport was the most frequently targeted during this period, suffering five attacks that killed 18 people and injured hundreds. Other attacks were reported at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and the southern airports of Abha, Jazan, and Najran.
On a recent Sunday, Saudi authorities reported that an unidentified projectile hit Terminal 4 at King Khalid Airport, causing a fire that resulted in the death of a Pakistani resident and injuries to 11 others. An attack on the preceding Saturday had already killed 13 people and injured 309, leading to a temporary suspension of the airport's operations, which was extended on Monday.
The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has not identified those responsible for the recent attacks on the airports. However, the Saudi-led coalition, which supports Yemen's government, has accused the Houthis of executing some of these attacks. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for various strikes on sites within Saudi Arabia, including airports.
The Houthis' latest announcement leaves it uncertain whether it pertains to a new operation or references previous attacks. These developments occur amidst ongoing military tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, marked by attacks on civilian aviation and energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition against the Houthis since 2015, following the group's control of Sanaa and several provinces since 2014.