In brief
Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, killing a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident. Saudi authorities say the incident injured eight others, though they have not disclosed the attack's method. The Houthis also targeted an Aramco facility and several other sites, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to intercept multiple drones across the region. This marks a continuation of the escalating drone and missile campaign that began with a deadly strike on Riyadh airport earlier this month. The conflict, rooted in the 2014 overthrow of Yemen's government, reflects deep tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Two Killed in Houthi Attack on Dammam Airport
Yemen's Houthi movement says it carried out an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening, killing a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident, and wounding eight others.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the identities of the fatalities, but did not specify the nature of the attack. However, the Iran‑backed Houthis announced on Thursday that missiles and drones had targeted the airport among other sites in the last 48 hours.
Earlier on the same day, the Saudi energy ministry reported that two more people died when debris from a drone intercepted elsewhere in the Eastern Province struck a location near the Shaybah oil field. Those deceased were from the Philippines and Nepal.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed additional targets that day, saying Riyadh’s defence ministry headquarters, an Aramco facility in Yanbu, and Abha International Airport were all hit. The Saudi‑led coalition said it intercepted four drones over the Eastern Province the previous night and another four over Riyadh and Medina the next.
According to Saudi authorities, a total of 21 people have died in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports since the start of October; the most devastating strike earlier in the month at Riyadh’s airport killed 13 and injured 308.
The Houthis say they respond to what they describe as a Saudi blockade and air strikes on territory they control in western Yemen.
The conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa, and escalated with a Saudi‑led coalition intervening to restore the internationally recognised government. A brief ceasefire unravels, with the Houthis imposing a maritime embargo and launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi assets and shipping lanes.
The Houthis’ control of part of Yemen’s coast near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait has threatened global shipping and pushed oil prices higher, while Saudi air support has helped government forces regain strategic positions.
Despite renewed fighting around key cities such as Taiz, Marib, and the highlands, diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities remain stalled, and the regional security environment continues to deteriorate.
