13 including Indian killed in Riyadh airport attack; Deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in a decade

RIYADH: 13 people, including an Indian national, were killed in a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. Four of the victims were Saudi citizens. The other fatalities included two Bangladeshis and one national each from the US, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt.

308 people, including 10 Indians, were injured. This marks the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in a decade. Cruise missiles directly struck two terminals at the airport. The airport closed operations following the attack. International airlines, including Air India, cancelled or diverted their services to Saudi Arabia. Missile debris also landed near King Fahd Airport in Dammam.

A fire broke out at the Riyadh airport after a missile attack yesterday. This is the fourth Houthi attack targeting Riyadh airport in a week. The missiles were easily able to bypass Saudi air defences.

• US President Donald Trump is considering joining the Saudi-led coalition forces fighting against the Houthis in Yemen.

• The Houthis have warned travellers and airlines to avoid Saudi airports and airspace, except the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

• Countries including UK, Canada, and France have advised their citizens to avoid transport hubs in Riyadh; schools in Riyadh have been closed.

Saudi Arabia, having vowed to deliver a strong response to the Houthis, intensified bombing raids in Yemen in coordination with government forces. Over 180 Houthi vehicles and weapons depots were destroyed. An explosion occurred at the Houthi-controlled Sana'a airport; there is no information yet regarding casualties.