Houthi rebels launch ballistic missile attack targeting Riyadh airport; air traffic disrupted

RIYADH: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh on Thursday. Airport operations were temporarily disrupted following the attack. Smoke was also reported to be rising from an aircraft parked at the airport.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that a missile had been launched towards King Khalid International Airport. The Houthis also warned that they would force Saudi Arabia to close its airspace. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh.

The attack disrupted flight operations in Riyadh for several hours. Security was tightened across the city following the incident. International companies in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District asked their employees to work from home. Some diplomatic officials were also warned, while students were advised to remain safely indoors.

Houthi attacks have intensified amid a fresh escalation in Yemen’s internal conflict, which had remained relatively calm since a ceasefire in 2022. Fighting continues along the Red Sea coast and in the Taiz region. An estimated 200,000 people have already been displaced following the renewed conflict in Yemen.