Houthi Missile Strike Kills 12 at Riyadh International Airport
The Houthis launched a deadly missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting international travel warnings and threats of U.S. military intervention.
A missile attack by the Iran-backed Houthis targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10, 2026, killing 12 people and injuring 309. The victims included Saudi citizens and nationals from the United States, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The strike hit passenger terminals 3 and 4 and heavily damaged a parked airliner, forcing Saudi authorities to suspend airport operations for safety assessments.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Malki condemned the incident as a "terrorist attack" and a war crime. In response, the Saudi-led coalition vowed a firm military response, while Saudi-supported forces in Yemen advanced against Houthi positions. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned travelers and airlines that Saudi airspace and airports, excluding Mecca and Medina, remain "exposed to targeting."
U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as "not acceptable" and stated that Washington is considering joining Saudi Arabia in striking the Houthis. Trump also warned Iran that the U.S. could end Iranian aggression "really quick" if the nation attempts to influence the upcoming November 3 midterm elections through provocations.
International airlines including Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Kuwait Airways suspended or cancelled flights to Riyadh. Despite travel warnings from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, organizers of the World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative confirmed that their conferences in Riyadh will proceed as planned this month.
