Fresh strikes hit Riyadh airport as Saudi-Houthi conflict threatens wider Middle East escalation

Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport came under a fresh attack on Sunday, a day after a deadly missile strike killed 12 people and injured 309 others, as the escalating confrontation between the kingdom and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to draw the United States deeper into the conflict.

The Saudi-led coalition said an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4 of the airport, triggering a fire, while air defence systems intercepted a cruise missile near the facility. The airport remained closed following Saturday's attack, with authorities assessing the damage and maintaining extensive security arrangements. The latest incident came hours after the Houthis renewed their warning to international airlines and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace.

India, meanwhile, confirmed that 11 Indian nationals were among those affected by Saturday's attack. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was in contact with Saudi authorities and hospitals to ascertain their condition and provide assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

Fresh attack on airport

The Saudi-led coalition said Sunday's projectile had targeted Terminal 4, although it did not immediately identify the weapon or provide details about casualties from the latest incident. A cruise missile was separately intercepted in the vicinity of the airport. The developments followed Saturday's strike on the complex housing Terminals 3 and 4, which caused extensive casualties and forced the suspension of flight operations.

Saudi authorities said Saturday's attack killed four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt. The attack was described as the deadliest strike on Saudi territory in more than a decade. Earlier attacks on the airport during the week had also caused fatalities and damaged commercial aircraft.

Houthis claim wider strikes

In a televised address on Sunday evening, the Houthis claimed responsibility for Saturday's deadly attack on Riyadh airport. The group also claimed to have targeted Dammam airport and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, although independent confirmation of damage at those locations was not immediately available. The claims indicated a possible expansion of attacks beyond the Saudi capital.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned airlines, airport employees and travellers against using Saudi aviation facilities, except those in Mecca and Medina. The group's authorities said further Saudi military operations in Yemen would invite stronger retaliation. The warning followed an alleged strike on Sanaa International Airport on Sunday, which Houthi-run media blamed on Saudi Arabia. The circumstances and extent of damage at the Yemeni airport were not immediately clear.

Flight operations disrupted

The attacks caused widespread disruption to aviation, with Riyadh airport remaining closed on Sunday. Flight-tracking data showed that approximately 260 flights to and from the Saudi capital were cancelled on Saturday, while another 219 were delayed. Several international airlines suspended or altered services, and foreign governments advised their nationals to avoid the airport.

The United States issued a warning to its citizens, while Britain expressed concern over the seriousness of the incident. Saudi authorities also shifted educational activities to remote learning until Thursday as a precautionary measure. The restrictions came as security personnel continued inspecting damaged airport facilities and assessing the risk of further missile and drone attacks.

Trump weighs intervention

US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi military operations against the Houthis following the deadly airport strike. Asked whether American forces could participate in retaliatory attacks, Trump said the administration was examining the situation and would make a decision quickly.

The United States has reportedly been providing intelligence and operational support to Saudi Arabia but has so far stopped short of openly joining the kingdom's latest offensive against the rebels. Saudi officials have indicated that the country intends to respond decisively to the attacks, while the coalition has intensified operations against Houthi positions in Yemen.