Latest Houthi attack: Riyadh International Airport
Armed Conflict · · US, United States
Latest Houthi attack: Riyadh International Airport
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
A Houthi missile struck the complex housing Terminals 3 and 4 (domestic flights) at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday.
The attack is attributed to the Houthis, but they have not claimed it yet, unlike their earlier strikes this week.
Time: Approximately 3:00 PM local time.
Saudi Arabia's early warning system issued no alert before impact.
Casualties: Dozens injured, including several pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
A hospital source told AFP that 5 people are in intensive care.
No fatalities have been confirmed yet.
Airport terminals were evacuated and operations suspended. Health authorities called in doctors for a mass casualty emergency.
Numerous flights were canceled or diverted, with 266 canceled and 219 delayed. Several international airlines suspended Riyadh flights, including Lufthansa Group (through October 16), Air India, Flydubai, Pakistan International and Kuwait Airways.
The US, Canadian and other embassies told citizens to stay away from the airport.
This is the third attack on the airport this week. Thursday's strike killed 3 Saudis, including Saudia pilot Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, and hit a parked Saudia jet.
Wednesday's attack killed a Sudanese national. Total confirmed deaths at Riyadh and Abha airports this week: 6.
Saudi authorities have warned residents that filming or sharing interceptions or impact sites could bring legal action.
Europe's aviation safety agency (EASA) expanded its warning on Saudi airspace, citing the Houthis' growing focus on airports.
Source: @Open Source Intel
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