Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills three Saudis, warns of long conflict

Houthi rebels launched attacks on Thursday, October 8, 2026, targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a Saudia Airlines aircraft. These strikes resulted in the deaths of three Saudi citizens and caused injuries to several other individuals. The Iran-backed Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for these actions.

This incident followed earlier Houthi assaults on Saudi civilian infrastructure during the week. On October 6 and 7, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport were also subjected to attacks, which led to the deaths of a Sudanese national at Riyadh airport and a Moroccan and an Algerian woman at Abha. Across all reported incidents, a total of three civilians were killed and 36 others were injured. These repeated strikes against airports prompted flight suspensions and a warning from Houthi officials advising airlines to avoid Saudi airspace.

The escalating attacks have significantly intensified the ongoing Yemen war. The Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognized government, has condemned the Houthi actions, vowing retaliation and launching strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. This renewed period of conflict has contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis, leading to the displacement of over 200,000 people within Yemen since July.