Survivors Recall Terror and Bravery Following Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport
- Injured individuals suffered severe injuries during a Houthi terrorist attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to documented accounts.
- Passenger Moataz Ali Qasem stated that the blast's shockwave knocked him down near a broken staircase that threatened to spark a crowd stampede, prompting him to take immediate...
- Sharari explained that he tried to rescue her and help a bleeding companion, but was unable to do so before a shrapnel struck his chest, causing part of...
Injured individuals suffered severe injuries during a Houthi terrorist attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, according to documented accounts. The documentary film Boarding Gate
(قبل الصعود إلى الطائرة.. شهود وشهادات
), published by Al Ekhbariya channel via its X account, presents vivid and moving testimonies from a group of injured survivors, reviewing the moments when calm turned to rubble and how humanity and altruism manifested in the darkest circumstances. The assault on the third terminal triggered explosions, widespread smoke, and panic among departing passengers, drawing stark contrasts between the sudden violence and the subsequent rescue efforts by civilians and medical personnel.
Survivors Describe Chaos and Rescue Efforts inside the Riyadh Terminal
Passenger Moataz Ali Qasem stated that the blast’s shockwave knocked him down near a broken staircase that threatened to spark a crowd stampede, prompting him to take immediate action. بدأت بمساعدة الركاب، وبعد إنقاذ الشخص الخامس لم أشعر بنفسي
Qasem said, reflecting the grave risks he faced while trying to save others while ignoring his own injury.
Sharari explained that he tried to rescue her and help a bleeding companion, but was unable to do so before a shrapnel struck his chest, causing part of his lung to emerge and a piece of shrapnel to enter it—an injury he only discovered after securing his friend’s location. He wrapped his thobe around the wound site, pressing it with his hand to try to stop the bleeding, and continued bleeding until the ambulance arrived.
Algerian Resident Recounts Near-Death Experience and Leg Surgery
Boudar, a young woman, was waiting for her return flight in the third terminal when a sudden explosion rang out, and she suffered severe injuries to her left leg, recalling that visibility dropped to total darkness as smoke filled the area and she saw her leg torn before her.
Boudar stated, حاولت الوقوف والالتفات خلفي، لكن الدنيا كانت ظلاماً
adding that she witnessed burned people and others lying on the ground unable to stand amid screams and terrifying, bloody scenes.
She expressed enduring psychological trauma from the attack, and stated, حرفياً أنا شفت الموت، لكن الحمد لله الله كتب لنا عمر
She criticized the Houthi militia, describing the assault as a heinous and criminal act in every sense, and denounced the targeting of civilians, children, vulnerable groups, and attempts to target the Holy House of God, considering them among the most atrocious crimes, while praying to God to grant the government of the Kingdom victory over them.
Medical Teams Prevent Amputation Following Severe Tissue Damage
She has since undergone two surgeries and is still awaiting a third procedure, hoping to regain her ability to move.
The next phase will involve completing the coverage of the remaining tissues and cleaning the parts that require it, with expectations and hopes that she will be able to walk again with the help of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. These living testimonies document not only the extent of the attack and injuries, but also highlight authentic human character, community solidarity in crises, and the survivors’ deep appreciation for the heroism and sacrifices of armed forces personnel in the southern border who face dangers daily to protect the security of the nation.