Houthi strikes hit Riyadh and Abha airports

Three people have been killed in coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, according to the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca) ^[1]. The attacks occurred on 6 and 7 October, with two women—of Moroccan and Algerian nationality—killed at Abha, and a Sudanese man killed in Riyadh. Gaca reported 28 wounded at Abha and eight at King Khalid, with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, confirmed the attacks, stating that ballistic missiles and drones were used against both airports ^[1]. The strikes are part of a broader escalation in the Yemen conflict, following a Houthi offensive that seized key Red Sea ports, including Mokha, a strategic chokepoint. In response, Saudi-led coalition forces have launched a major military campaign to reclaim territory, declaring an all-out war.

The Saudi-led coalition has retaliated with over 80 strikes on Houthi military sites across Saada, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, and Ma’rib ^[1]. The UN has condemned the attacks, noting more than 200,000 people have been displaced since the escalation began. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the violence 'deeply concerning'.

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has issued a travel alert, urging Americans to exercise heightened vigilance when passing through King Khalid International Airport due to the risk of attacks ^[4]. U.S. government employees now require special authorization to use the airport. The USS Abraham Lincoln recently returned home after a 321-day deployment in the Middle East, including time supporting operations against Iran.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran has revised its diplomatic proposals and is ready to negotiate through intermediaries, accusing the U.S. of undermining talks with military actions ^[4]. Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his pledge not to attack Iran before the midterms, citing record oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The story was first reported by BBC News and Sky News.