Houthis Attack: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said at least 12 people were killed and more than 300 wounded when the Iran-aligned Houthis hit the airport. The attack was the third on the airport this week. Earlier Houthi attacks on Thursday killed at least three Saudi citizens, including a pilot. All flights were diverted from Riyadh, operations were suspended, and Western governments told citizens to avoid the area.
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Who Were the Victims?
The dead included four Saudi citizens and two Bangladeshi residents, along with one resident each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan. NewsBytes reported that the missile struck Terminals 3 and 4, in the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in over a decade. The Houthis said they had “shut down” the airport.
India Condemns the Houthis Attack
India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the repeated attacks on the airport, including the October 10 strike. It expressed condolences to the families of the dead and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The ministry called such attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure completely unacceptable and said they must cease immediately. India also stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, hoping peace and normalcy return to the region at the earliest.
Why It Matters for South Asia
Riyadh’s airport is a key hub for the large South Asian workforce in the Gulf, so the deaths of two Bangladeshis will matter to families back home. Expect the Bangladesh embassy in Riyadh to be asked to help identify the victims and repatriate bodies.
What Happens Next
Airlines have yet to announce when normal operations will resume. Travellers should check flight status before heading to the airport. A fresh Saudi-led response and more Houthi strikes on the kingdom both remain possible.
