Houthi Missile Strikes Kill 12 at Riyadh Airport

A series of missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Saudi aviation infrastructure this week, culminating in a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, 2026. The assault, which hit Terminals 3 and 4, killed 12 people—including citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United States, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan—and injured 309 others. This event is the deadliest strike on Saudi soil in over a decade.

Saudi authorities temporarily suspended airport operations, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations by carriers such as Kuwait Airways and Akasa Air. The escalation follows previous strikes on October 6 and 7 at the same facility and Abha International Airport. In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched Operation Dawn of Yemen, a massive offensive to recapture Sanaa and secure the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. Coalition forces reported neutralizing over 1,400 Houthi fighters and destroying hundreds of vehicles.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack as not acceptable and stated the United States is evaluating whether to join Saudi military strikes against the rebels. Trump also warned Iran against pre-election provocations ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared Saudi airspace a military operations zone, warning airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, excluding those in Mecca and Medina. International leaders from the European Union, Malaysia, and Bangladesh condemned the strikes as war crimes and violations of international law.