EU condemns Riyadh airport strike, warns Iran-backed attacks could widen regional conflict
The EU denounced the suspected Houthi attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 12 and injured over 300, warning that Iran-backed strikes risk escalating regional violence.
European Union leaders condemned the alleged Houthi strike on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which caused at least 12 fatalities and more than 300 injuries. EU officials said attacks by Iran’s proxies could trigger a broader cycle of conflict, destabilising key transport and energy hubs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the incident a dangerous escalation and urged the Houthis to cease targeting civilian infrastructure, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The attack threatens regional stability and could disrupt global transport and energy supplies.
How this story developed
- Oct 3 Fire and thick smoke reported near Saudi Aramco site in Riyadh
- Oct 7 Government‑aligned troops announced the seizure of the highest summit in Jabal Habashi district, Taiz.
- Oct 7 Houthis launched missiles at Aden International Airport, causing no casualties.
- Oct 8 Saudi-led coalition announced a comprehensive operation that destroyed dozens of Houthi military sites in Yemen.
- Oct 8 Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Lufthansa and IndiGo suspended Riyadh flights until early October.
- Oct 9 Lufthansa announced it will pause its Riyadh flights.
- Oct 9 Death toll confirmed at three Saudi nationals.
- Oct 10 A blast was reported at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting an evacuation, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
- Oct 10 A second missile strike on the same airport occurred within the week, leading to renewed flight cancellations and heightened travel warnings.
- Oct 11 Death toll rises to 12 and injuries exceed 300.
- Oct 11 He added that GCC members stand united alongside Saudi Arabia, expressing full support for all measures undertaken to protect its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
- Oct 11 A missile attack blamed on Houthi fighters hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 12 people and wounding more than 300.
- Oct 11 Saudi authorities extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport.
- Oct 11 Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority says 12 people were killed and 309 injured in a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid airport.
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