Houthi Rebels Attack Two Saudi Airports and Warn Airlines

Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Monday, October 5, 2026, damaging the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia. The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia reported that three people were wounded in the strikes. Following the attacks, the Houthi rebels warned international airlines to stop using Saudi airspace, with the exception of flights to Mecca and Medina.

This escalation occurs as Saudi-backed forces conduct a counteroffensive to retake territory along the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to secure oil exports. The conflict is part of a broader regional struggle involving Iran.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that these attacks destabilize the region and undermine global energy security. In response to the violence, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested military assistance from the United States, though U.S. involvement is currently limited to intelligence and indirect support.