New Attacks Hit Riyadh Airport as Regional Tensions Grow

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was struck again on Sunday, only one day after a major attack killed twelve people and injured hundreds. Saudi authorities reported that an unidentified object hit Terminal 4, while air defense systems destroyed a cruise missile nearby. This second attack has caused further injuries, though officials have not yet provided a specific number of victims. The airport remains closed following the violence.

According to The Guardian, the twelve people killed in Saturday’s attack included citizens from Egypt, Syria, and India. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that one of its citizens, who was among the many injured on Saturday, later died in the hospital. The embassy expressed its sadness and stated that it is working to help the family of the deceased. Saturday’s attack was particularly severe, with over 300 people reported injured, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the region since the current conflict began.

Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed responsibility for both the Saturday and Sunday attacks. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the group carried out several operations using missiles and drones. Beyond the airport in Riyadh, the group also claimed to have targeted Dammam airport and energy facilities belonging to the Saudi oil company, Aramco. The Houthis warned travelers and airlines to stay away from Saudi airports, claiming that the Saudi government is responsible for any failed attempts to stop their missiles.

These attacks have created significant worry regarding global oil supplies. The incidents occurred just before the World Petroleum Congress, a major international energy meeting scheduled to take place in Riyadh. Because of the danger, it is currently unclear if the leaders of major energy companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and BP will attend. NPR reports that the repeated attacks have already caused a temporary stop in oil flows and pushed global oil prices higher. Saudi energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, spoke at the conference, stating that the kingdom remains strong and will continue its work despite the threats.

This escalation has brought international attention to the conflict. NPR reports that President Donald Trump is considering how the United States might get involved, as the Saudi government has asked for help with air defense. Saudi Arabia is currently running low on the equipment needed to stop incoming missiles and has reached out to countries like France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt for support. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has expressed its support for Saudi Arabia, which is a notable change after a period of difficult relations between the two nations.

The situation is further complicated by claims from both sides. While the Houthis continue their attacks, they also reported that a Saudi airstrike hit a house in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, killing a child and wounding others. The Houthi-run health ministry claimed that 91 Yemenis have been killed by the Saudi-led coalition over the past five weeks. Saudi authorities have not provided an immediate comment on these specific claims.

As the airport remains closed, the future of the region looks uncertain. The conflict has moved beyond local fighting, now directly affecting international travel, energy markets, and the safety of civilians in major cities. With the Houthis threatening more attacks and the Saudi government seeking international military aid, the risk of a larger, more dangerous conflict is growing. Leaders in the region and around the world are now waiting to see if the situation can be controlled or if the cycle of violence will continue to expand.