Riyadh Airport Attack Leaves Over 300 Injured

On October 10, missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck Riyadh International Airport, the capital of Saudi Arabia, leaving at least 12 dead and over 300 injured. The explosion, which occurred around 3 PM, was not detected by the country's security system.

Immediate Impact on Airport Operations

Airport operations were suspended while the Saudi civil aviation authority assessed the damage. All flights bound for Riyadh were diverted or canceled, and only one helicopter was seen flying over the area. Airlines such as Kuwait Airways, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways also suspended flights to the Saudi capital.

Reaction from Embassies and Foreign Governments

The embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany advised their citizens to avoid the airport. The Spanish representation recommended avoiding non-essential travel, while Germany advised against using the terminal until further notice. The American embassy reported that U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use the airport.

Civil Aviation Authority and Casualties

The kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed 12 deaths, including four Saudis, two Bangladeshi citizens, and one from each of the following countries: USA, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Egypt. Over 300 people were injured, some seriously, and were transported to hospitals by ambulances and helicopters.

Context of the Conflict in Yemen

The attack is part of an escalation of tension between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Since early October, Saudi and allied forces have conducted bombings against Houthi positions in Yemen, while the group has retaliated with missiles and drones against Saudi territory. The October 10 offensive was described by the Houthis as retaliation for Saudi Arabia's bombings against Yemen.

United States' Reaction

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the government is considering participating in Saudi bombings against the Houthis. He said: “Maybe. We're going to look at it. We just learned of the latest attack, so we're going to make a decision. We act very quickly.” The American president described the attack as “terrible” and expressed his intention to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Coalition's Response Operations

The Saudi-led coalition declared the attack a war crime. The military group's spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Malki, stated that the offensive violates the principles of international humanitarian law. The Saudi military response includes air strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Security and Logistics Outlook

The airport attacks occur amidst important international conferences on energy and investments scheduled for Riyadh. Despite the threats, event organizers affirmed that the events would proceed. The series of attacks also intensified the siege of the city of Taiz and led to the recapture of control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic maritime passage that had been occupied by the Houthis.

With information from G1, CNN Brasil.