Houthis target Saudi Arabia’s south as Riyadh airport prepares to reopen
Missile attacks spread across southern Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a series of attacks across southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, raising security concerns across the kingdom. Saudi-led military forces said they intercepted at least 10 ballistic missiles as warnings of possible attacks were issued throughout the day.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks in recent weeks. The latest fighting began after a long-running truce between the Houthis and Yemen’s government collapsed.
A resident of Khamis Mushait described the situation to AFP, saying, “The bombardment has been very heavy since this morning — may God keep us safe. Everything is shaking because of the explosions,”
Riyadh airport prepares to reopen
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport announced that flights would resume on Sunday after being closed for two weeks following Houthi attacks. However, it was not immediately clear how much of the airport’s normal operations would restart.
The airport has been hit by repeated attacks, including a strike earlier this month that killed 13 people and injured more than 300. The attack was reported as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade, while the Houthis have also targeted oil facilities and other locations.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that the airport remained “unsafe” and a “military target”. He said, “The Yemeni Armed Forces warn all international, regional and local airlines — as well as staff and travellers — against using King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, as it is unsafe and serves as a military target for our forces,”
Saree also warned Saudi Arabia about the possible consequences of airport operations. He said, “The Saudi regime shall bear the consequences of any operations at the airport.”
Air defence systems intercept more threats
As preparations continued to reopen the airport, AFP journalists in Riyadh heard three explosions early Sunday. Residents also received alerts warning of a “hostile aerial threat” and advising them to move to safe places.
The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh and intercepted two drones in the capital region. In a statement posted on X, the coalition said, “Air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh,”
Later, the coalition reported intercepting a cruise missile aimed at Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia. Security warnings were also issued for Abha, Taif, Namas and Jazan as reports pointed to attacks across several parts of the kingdom.
Houthis claim attacks on key facilities
The latest attacks followed a statement from the Houthis claiming that they had targeted three Saudi airports within 24 hours. The group also claimed attacks on energy facilities, a pipeline and an air base.
The repeated strikes have raised concerns about the safety of air travel and important infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The airport’s planned reopening comes as the kingdom continues efforts to defend its cities and facilities against further attacks.
The latest attacks show that security risks remain high despite plans to resume flights at Riyadh airport. The situation may continue to affect travellers, airlines and key Saudi facilities unless the attacks ease.
Also read: 114 flights cancelled in Pakistan amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
