Mohammed bin Salman moves between fortified palaces as Houthi strikes hit Saudi airports and oil sites
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was last seen donating blood while shuttling between heavily guarded desert palaces, as Houthi militants intensify attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure.
Houthi forces have escalated their assault on Saudi Arabia, beginning with a strike on Riyadh's international airport that left twelve dead, followed by damage to King Fahd Airport in Dammam and injuries at King Khalid Airport. On Sunday the militia announced four separate attacks using ballistic rockets, cruise missiles and drones, targeting the two airports, a gas facility and an Aramco refinery. Saudi aviation authorities confirmed the damage, while the Houthi side also accused Saudi Arabia of conducting more than 120 airstrikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other provinces.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was publicly observed donating blood and is reported to be moving between heavily fortified desert palaces that include underground bunkers, protected by a hand-picked security detail. The R4 coalition—Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia—denounced the Houthi attacks as blatant breaches of international law, warning of a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and global oil supplies.
Why it matters
The surge in Houthi attacks threatens Saudi security and could disrupt global oil markets.
How this story developed
- Oct 11 Missile strike on Riyadh airport kills 12, injures over 300
- Oct 11 Saudi authorities extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport.
- Oct 11 The strike on the Riyadh passenger terminal sparked a fire and prompted air-defence interception of a missile nearby. The Houthi movement said the attack responded to Saudi aggression, including a recent strike on Sanaa airport. The incident follows a larger assault the previous day that injured over 300 people and disrupted travel, prompting foreign executives to withdraw from the World Petroleum Congress. Saudi authorities assure heightened security for the upcoming World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative.
- Oct 11 He also named King Fahd Airport in Dammam, an Aramco‑affiliated petrol station and a refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region as targets.
- Oct 11 A second projectile hit the airport a day after the missile strike, raising the death toll to 13.
- Oct 12 A Pakistani national died in the latest projectile strike.
- Oct 12 The Omani embassy thanked Saudi authorities for the medical care provided to an injured Omani doctor.
- Oct 12 Saudi officials announced the continued closure of King Khalid International Airport pending safety inspections.
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