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Houthi Drone and Missile Strikes Force Extended Closure of Riyadh’s International Airport
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New Attacks Prompt Immediate Shutdown
A fresh assault struck Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday, coming just a day after a separate strike that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. The report notes that the attacks involved both drones and missiles, marking the deadliest violence on Saudi soil in over a decade. In response, Saudi authorities halted all civilian flights at the airport and began an extended suspension.
Escalating Yemen-Saudi Conflict
The strikes occur amid a broader intensification of hostilities between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops. The report highlights that fighting has been escalating for several weeks, with the Houthis increasingly targeting high-profile Saudi infrastructure as part of their campaign against the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi Government’s Official Response
Saudi officials announced that the closure of Riyadh’s international airport would remain in effect, describing the response as part of a “deadly” retaliation by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi attacks. The report adds that Saudi Arabia pledged a robust counter-action, signaling that the coalition would intensify its military operations to deter further strikes.
Regional Aviation Disruption and Strategic Implications
The prolonged shutdown represents one of the most severe disruptions to Saudi aviation in recent years, affecting both domestic and international travel. Analysts cited in the report suggest that the airport’s closure could pressure the coalition to accelerate its campaign in Yemen, while also exposing vulnerabilities in Saudi air-defense systems. The heightened tension underscores the risk of further escalation, with the potential to impact broader regional security and global air traffic routes.