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Houthi Attacks Close Saudi Airports, Kill Three

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 4:48 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Houthi rebels attacked King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport, killing three people.
The Saudi-led coalition intercepted missiles, destroyed launch platforms, and closed the airports temporarily.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the attacks retaliated for 60 Saudi airstrikes in previous 24 hours.
The coalition said it destroyed 82 Houthi sites in Saada, Hodeidah, Jawf and Marib provinces.
The United Nations reported that renewed fighting displaced more than 200,000 Yemenis.

History

Historical Context

In January 1991 Iraq fired 46 al-Husayn Scuds at Saudi military sites; a 25 February strike killed 28 U.S. soldiers in Dhahran. The campaign sought to draw Israel into Gulf War and forced the coalition to allocate Patriot defenses and conduct “Scud hunts.” In 2024 Houthi rebels repeated the pattern, hitting King Khalid and Abha airports after more than 60 Saudi airstrikes day before, sustaining missile-retaliation cycle.

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Story summary

Houthi rebels attacked King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport, killing three people.
The Saudi-led coalition intercepted missiles, destroyed launch platforms, and closed the airports temporarily.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the attacks retaliated for 60 Saudi airstrikes in previous 24 hours.
The coalition said it destroyed 82 Houthi sites in Saada, Hodeidah, Jawf and Marib provinces.
The United Nations reported that renewed fighting displaced more than 200,000 Yemenis.

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