Houthis strike Riyadh airport and Saudi regions with missiles
- No good, United States President Donald Trump told reporters regarding a series of escalating attacks.
- The renewed barrage targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a military airbase at Khamis Mushait, according to Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Arabia-led coalition.
- Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that the group utilized a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Well, the Houthis are misbehaving very badly. No good,
United States President Donald Trump told reporters regarding a series of escalating attacks. Houthi ballistic missiles and explosive drones struck the Saudi capital of Riyadh and other regions on Monday, October 12, 2026, closing the kingdom’s primary international airport and killing at least 14 people over recent days, Al Jazeera reported.
King Khalid International Airport Closure and Casualties
The renewed barrage targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a military airbase at Khamis Mushait, according to Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Arabia-led coalition. Al-Maliki stated on X that coalition forces intercepted one ballistic missile over Riyadh and two over Khamis Mushait. However, residents reported powerful explosions late Monday night after receiving emergency text alerts warning of aerial threats. CCTV footage from inside King Khalid International Airport showed passengers taking cover as projectiles struck the terminal, the BBC reported. The Wall Street Journal noted that a 28-year-old Egyptian flight attendant bled to death after her arm was severed during the Saturday strike, which partially collapsed two terminal roofs, killed at least 13 people, and injured more than 300 others. A subsequent strike on Sunday killed one person and wounded 11, according to Saudi authorities.
Houthi Military Claims and Advanced Weaponry
Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that the group utilized a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Saree warned international airlines and travelers against operating flights to Saudi airports outside the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, designating those aviation hubs as unsafe. Regional officials briefed on the attacks told The Associated Press that an initial investigation revealed the Houthis launched drones first to clear air defenses before launching cruise and ballistic missiles capable of changing direction in flight, successfully bypassing Patriot interceptor systems.
Economic Impact and Regional Repercussions
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud addressed the disruptions at an energy conference in Riyadh, stating that the attacks have tested the kingdom’s resilience and that our response must be equally serious. Meanwhile, regional carriers including Etihad Airways and Gulf Air canceled flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah through the week, and U.S. operator Delta delayed the launch of direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh.
Threats of Regional Escalation
Al-Bukhaiti also reiterated warnings for workers at Saudi oil facilities and airports to evacuate those legitimate targets. Saudi authorities announced that King Khalid International Airport will remain closed until Saturday, October 17, 2026, while investigators examine why defense systems failed to provide earlier warnings against projectiles traveling over 1,000 kilometers.
If the US becomes involved in the aggression against Yemen, we will not deliberate over the decision to respond; rather, there will be a swift and painful response targeting the US and all its interests in the region
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti