Second Strike on Riyadh Airport Marks Escalation in Gulf Conflict
In a dramatic escalation, a missile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, igniting a fire in a passenger hall. The blast came just two days after a previous strike that killed 13 people and wounded 308, underscoring the mounting volatility in the region. Saudi officials confirm a projectile hit the terminal, while their air defence systems reportedly intercepted another missile en route to Riyadh.
The attacks are blamed on Yemen’s Houthi fighters, who have intensified operations across the Gulf, citing Saudi support for forces in Yemen’s civil war as a provocation. In response, Saudi-led coalition forces labeled the Saturday strike a “war crime” and demanded retaliation, while the United States and United Kingdom indicated they would consider additional support for Riyadh’s security.
The latest onslaught follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire brokered in 2022 and coincides with heightened Iranian-backed activity along the Red Sea. Experts warn that if missile defence fails to intercept further attacks, the risk to civilian infrastructure and market stability could grow, potentially reshaping regional trade routes and security protocols.
Footage from the site shows thick black smoke rising over the airport’s terminal buildings, with emergency crews scrambling to contain the blaze and evacuate passengers. The incident has prompted travel warnings in parts of Saudi Arabia, and Western embassies are urging their nationals to exercise caution near the conflict’s front line.
