Pakistani national killed, 11 injured in fresh attack on Riyadh airport
A Pakistani national was killed, and 11 people were injured in a fresh projectile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed.
The incident has raised further security concerns at the Saudi capital’s main international airport, which was reportedly hit by another deadly attack just a day earlier. According to the civil aviation authority, the injured were immediately taken to hospitals for medical treatment.
The attack also caused damage to airport facilities. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and inspecting the affected areas to ensure they are safe. The latest incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilian infrastructure amid continuing attacks on Saudi facilities.
Deadly strike came a day earlier
The latest attack followed another strike on Riyadh airport that reportedly killed 12 people and injured more than 300.
The Saudi-led coalition attributed the earlier attack to Yemen’s Houthi group, which has claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Saudi facilities amid rising regional tensions. The reported death toll and number of injured have added to concerns about airport security and the safety of passengers and staff.
The two incidents within a short period have increased pressure on authorities to assess security risks and protect key transport facilities. The latest projectile attack also caused material damage, although the full extent of the damage was still being assessed, according to the available information.
Saudi authorities assess damage and safety
Following the latest incident, Saudi authorities began inspecting the affected airport facilities and assessing the damage. GACA said the injured had been transferred to hospitals for treatment.
Safety inspections are particularly important at a busy international airport, where any damage could affect passengers, airport staff and flight operations. The repeated attacks have also raised concerns about possible disruptions to airport services. Reports indicated that operations had been affected as authorities continued their inspections.
However, the available information did not provide a complete assessment of the damage or confirm when all affected services would return to normal. Travellers are advised to check updates from their airlines and official airport channels before travelling.
Pakistan expresses concern over its citizens
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over reports that Pakistani citizens had been injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport. In a message, the prime minister prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
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He also said Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh was in close contact with Saudi authorities and was providing all possible assistance to the affected families. The embassy’s coordination with Saudi officials is important as authorities work to establish details about the victims and provide support to those affected.
The death of a Pakistani national has also raised concerns in Pakistan about the safety of its citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia. The government has said it is focused on assisting affected families and maintaining contact with Saudi authorities as further information becomes available.
Houthi attacks raise regional security concerns
Saudi authorities also reported that a missile launched by Houthi rebels had been intercepted in the air. The reported interception and the attacks on the airport come amid continuing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition has blamed the Houthi group for the earlier deadly airport attack. The group has also claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Saudi facilities. Details of individual incidents should be attributed to the relevant authorities, particularly while investigations and damage assessments are ongoing.
Attacks on civilian infrastructure can put passengers, airport staff and other people at risk. They can also disrupt transport services and create uncertainty for airlines and travellers. The latest incident has therefore raised concerns beyond the immediate loss of life and injuries, particularly regarding the security of important transport facilities.
What travellers and Pakistani residents should know
People planning to travel through Riyadh should follow official announcements from airport authorities and their airlines.
Passengers should confirm their flight schedules before leaving for the airport, as security checks or operational disruptions may affect their travel plans. Pakistani residents who need assistance should contact the Pakistan embassy in Riyadh through its official channels.
Families seeking information about people affected by the attack should rely on confirmed updates from Saudi authorities and Pakistani diplomatic officials. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and inspect airport facilities. Further details may become available as these checks progress.
