Houthis Claim Third Attack on Riyadh Airport; Aircraft Damaged

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a third attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Two sources reported that at least one Saudi Airlines aircraft sustained serious damage in Thursday's attack. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Just a day earlier, the Houthis had claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at the same airport; the Saudi-led military coalition reported intercepting it at the time. Saudi authorities stated that three people were killed and 36 injured in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports on Wednesday.

Claims of Attacks on Multiple Targets, Including Riyadh

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that two missiles were fired at Riyadh's airport. He stated that Najran Airport and an airbase in the Khamis Mushait area were also targeted simultaneously.

A Reuters report indicated that a Saudi Airlines plane at the airport was severely damaged following Thursday's incident. Another source reported damage to three aircraft. However, Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm details regarding the full extent of the damage.

Major Disruptions to Flight Operations

Following the attacks and explosions, numerous flights at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled or delayed. Various international airlines also temporarily suspended flights bound for Riyadh.

According to flight tracking data, over a hundred flights were affected on Thursday. Several airlines have also indicated they are re-evaluating their operations on the Riyadh route due to the regional security situation.

Escalating Saudi-Houthi Tensions

With the recent intensification of the conflict in Yemen, Houthi claims of attacks on various Saudi installations have also increased. The group has claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh, Abha, and other military and civilian sites.

The Saudi-led coalition stated that its air defense systems intercepted multiple missiles. At the same time, the coalition announced it was taking retaliatory military action against the Houthi missile launch sites. The current tensions have sparked new concerns regarding the security of Riyadh's main international airport and regional air traffic.