Riyadh:The Saudi-led coalition has announced plans to retaliate against the Houthi rebels in Yemen after reports of a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attack resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 300 injuries.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking the third attack in a week. The Iranian-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility. The casualties include 4 Saudis, 2 Bangladeshis, and one citizen each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt. The injured, many seriously, were transported by helicopter to hospitals.
The attack came without warning, leading to the cancellation or diversion of flights to Riyadh and a temporary halt in airport operations. A Houthi spokesman claimed the closure of Riyadh's international airport and cautioned airlines against using Saudi airspace, labeling it a military zone. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has advised American citizens to avoid the area.
The tension escalated after the Saudi-backed Yemeni government initiated a military operation against the Houthi rebels on October 5. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. might join Saudi Arabia in military action against the Houthis if the situation worsens, potentially leading to broader regional conflict.
The attack occurred just before Riyadh was set to host a major global conference on energy and investment. Despite the incident, organizers have insisted that the event will proceed as planned.