Houthis strike Riyadh's King Khaled Airport, warn Saudi airspace is open target
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched a precise attack on King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, disrupting flights, and reiterated that Saudi skies are fair game except over Mecca and Medina.
In retaliation for what it called Saudi aggression in the previous 24 hours, the Houthi armed forces hit King Khaled International Airport, causing a temporary halt to air traffic. The group issued a warning that Saudi airspace remains a legitimate target, sparing only the holy regions surrounding Mecca and Medina. The statement emphasized that any continued use of Saudi air routes would be undertaken at the Houthis' own risk.
Why it matters
The strike shows the Houthis' ability to reach Saudi Arabia's capital, raising regional security concerns.
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Renewed Yemen fighting forces over 46,000 people from their homes
- Sep 25 The UAE has not confirmed an official ban despite the cancellation of Iranian flights to Dubai.
- Sep 25 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on active-duty personnel and eligible relatives to register and request ballots ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 2 Pakistan announced an emergency Strategic Political Defence Committee meeting in Riyadh next week to address recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and explore political engagement with the group.
- Oct 2 The United States granted an exemption permitting Iraqi Airways to resume pilgrim flights to Iran.
- Oct 2 Saudi Arabia has moved from planning to actively preparing a large‑scale offensive to retake the Bab el‑Mandeb strait.
- Oct 3 A witness observed a large plume of fire and smoke near an Aramco facility in Riyadh on Saturday, with authorities yet to confirm the incident.
- Oct 3 Saudi jets launched 26 strikes on Sanaa following the fire at the Aramco site.
- Oct 4 Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House’s final day of session, halting the impeachment vote on Defense Secretary Hegseth.
- Oct 4 Houthi spokesperson announced that missiles and drones struck Aramco facilities in Riyadh and eastern Khurais, causing large fires.
- Oct 5 Yemeni government forces announced capture of positions near Bab al‑Mandab and the coalition deployed about 100 combat aircraft.
- Oct 5 Ishaq Dar announced the upcoming Riyadh meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Committee.
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