RIYADH/DUBAI: Yemen’s Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia on Thursday, targeting Riyadh’s airport and warning workers to stay away from the kingdom’s energy facilities as the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate.
The Houthis claimed they had attacked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with missiles. Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke rising from the airport, while people briefed on the incident said a commercial aircraft had caught fire. The cause of the fire was not immediately confirmed by Saudi authorities.
The latest attacks have disrupted air travel in the Saudi capital. Aviation data showed that nearly half of departures from Riyadh airport had been cancelled by 1500 GMT on Thursday, with further cancellations expected on Friday across Saudi airports.
Lufthansa and Air India also announced the suspension of flights to Riyadh following the attacks. The airport advised passengers to contact their airlines and confirm flight schedules before travelling.
Saudi authorities said debris from an intercepted Houthi missile landed in Riyadh, damaging a kindergarten and a medical complex. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis also said it had intercepted ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh and Khamis Mushayt.
The escalation follows attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports earlier this week that killed three people and injured 36 others, according to Saudi authorities.
The Houthis said they were targeting Saudi Arabia because of its support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which has launched a counteroffensive against the group. The renewed conflict has also increased concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major international shipping route.
The fighting has raised concerns that other countries could become directly involved. Saudi Arabia has sought defensive and logistical assistance from allies, including Pakistan and Turkiye.
Turkiye said it was providing mainly defensive and technical support, including military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems. Syria is also considering options for assisting Saudi Arabia, although officials said its support could remain defensive.
The renewed fighting has displaced more than 200,000 people in Yemen and intensified a humanitarian crisis in the country.
