The Houthi rebels claimed on Sunday that they had launched dozens of ballistic missiles in three attacks against Saudi Arabia. According to the group, the first attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and the Houthis claimed it had successfully hit its intended target. The other attacks targeted King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and a naval base belonging to the Saudi Border Guard in Jazan.
However, the Saudi-led coalition claimed early Monday that it had intercepted a missile heading towards Riyadh. The coalition also reported intercepting a total of 12 missiles and two drones launched towards Saudi Arabia on Sunday. These included a ballistic missile and two drones targeting the Riyadh region, according to China's Xinhua News Agency.
The interceptions came as King Khalid International Airport resumed limited operations following an earlier announcement by the airport administration. Under the plan, domestic flights would operate from Terminal 1 from Sunday, while international flights operated by national airlines would depart from Terminal 2. The airport was partially reopened, but the Houthis subsequently claimed to have targeted it again.
Amid the attacks, a Houthi military spokesperson declared Riyadh airport unsafe and described it as a military target, warning international and domestic airlines, employees and passengers against travelling there.
Houthis Warn Airlines and Passengers Against Using Riyadh Airport
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree issued a warning on X, reiterating the group's position that airlines and travellers should avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces reiterate their warning to all global, regional and local airlines, as well as employees and passengers, against travelling through King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This location is no longer safe, as it is a military target for our forces,” Saree said.
Saree also issued a broader warning concerning the use of Saudi Arabia's airspace, although the warning excluded the airspace above Mecca and Medina.
In a separate development, the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency, citing a military source, advised employees and civilians to stay away from Saudi oil facilities. Saudi shareholders were also warned that they could face substantial losses if they continued to retain their shares in the company.
The developments highlight the continuing security concerns surrounding Riyadh's airport operations, with the Saudi-led coalition reporting interceptions of incoming missiles and drones while the Houthis continue to issue warnings against air travel and proximity to Saudi oil infrastructure.
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