Strikes by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on Riyadh’s airport killed three people and injured several others, Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said Friday. The attack damaged a Saudi Airlines aircraft and sent smoke over the airport, prompting many airlines to cancel flights to the Saudi capital.
The timing has sharpened attention in the region. Riyadh is days away from hosting a major gathering of global oil chiefs, and the airport attack signals that the Yemen-based group retains the ability to reach deep into Saudi territory despite months of war around Iran and the Red Sea. According to reports, Tehran and its allies have been trying to regain the upper hand around the Strait of Hormuz with a spate of new attacks on shipping and infrastructure.
Energy markets are watching closely. Crude prices rose sharply in recent sessions as attacks on tankers and missile fire toward Riyadh revived fears for Gulf exports, while Yemeni militants were also reported to have rained missiles on the Saudi capital. Any sustained threat to Saudi airspace or Gulf shipping lanes would add pressure to already elevated fuel costs worldwide.
Saudi officials have not yet detailed the full extent of damage or disruption. Airlines serving Riyadh are advising passengers to check flight status before traveling. This story is developing and will be updated as authorities release confirmed information.
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