Booms and flight disruptions in Riyadh as Saudi-Houthi war escalates

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Riyadh Airport Attacked Again as Houthi Escalation Kills 12

   King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked and evacuated on Saturday, following a series of deadly strikes by Yemen-aligned Houthi forces. Saudi authorities stated that the recent assaults have killed 12 people and injured more than 300. The escalating conflict has rattled the Saudi capital with explosions, severely disrupted flight operations, and prompted international carriers including Lufthansa and Indian airlines to suspend services to the city. Some office staff in Riyadh were instructed to work from home as the kingdom confronts a dangerous new front in the regional war.

   Why it matters

   The surge in violence marks a major intensification of the long-running conflict between Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The strikes on King Khalid International Airport represent the deadliest attacks on Saudi soil in more than a decade. Amid the regional fallout, Syria is considering whether to provide help in the Yemen war, and regional powers are reportedly seeking Turkish and Pakistani military backing.

   What is confirmed

   • Attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi airports have killed 12 people and injured over 300, according to Saudi authorities.
   • A commercial plane belonging to state-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines was heavily damaged by fire while parked at a terminal in Riyadh airport.
   • Lufthansa and Indian airlines suspended their services to Riyadh following explosions in the Saudi capital.
   • The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on Riyadh airport.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Turkish and Pakistani military backing is being sought amid the escalation of the conflict.

   What to watch next

   • Official casualty updates and casualty condition reports from Saudi authorities
   • Decisions by additional international airlines regarding the suspension or resumption of Riyadh routes
   • Potential military or diplomatic responses from Saudi Arabia and its regional allies
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. Bloomberg.com — Houthis Kill Three in Attacks on Two Airports in Saudi Arabia
   2. Al Jazeera — Yemen war live: Yemeni forces claim key heights as Houthi attacks go on
   3. AP News — Israel says British Consulate in east Jerusalem has ceased to function and 20 diplomats will leave
   4. The New York Times — Blasts Rattle Riyadh as Saudi Arabia Hit By Deadliest Houthi Attacks So Far
   5. Reuters — Syria considers help in Yemen war after Saudi airports come under Houthi fire
   6. CNN — Explosions heard in Saudi capital as Riyadh airport is reported closed
   7. CNBC — Booms and flight disruptions in Riyadh as Saudi-Houthi war escalates
   8. Yahoo — Lufthansa, Indian airlines suspend Riyadh service after explosions hit Saudi capital
   9. www.cnbc.com — Booms and flight disruptions in Riyadh as Saudi-Houthi war escalates
   10. The New York Times — Explosions Rattle Saudi Capital
   11. The Guardian — Houthis claim attack on Riyadh airport as airlines suspend flights to Saudi capital
   12. www.gmanetwork.com — Booms and flight disruptions in Riyadh as Saudi-Houthi war escalates | GMA News Online
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