Houthis Issue Airport Access Warning Following Deadly Riyadh Attack as Global Leaders Condemn Civilian Harm

Houthis Demand Avoidance of Saudi Airports After Riyadh Missile Strike

The Houthi military released a public advisory on Thursday urging travelers and airlines to avoid Saudi Arabian airports following Saturday’s attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

It marks the group’s first official statement since the deadly assault on the kingdom’s largest aviation hub.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared that Mecca and Medina—the holy cities of Islam—are exempt from targeting, while other Saudi airports and airspace remain under threat as “theatre of operations for our forces.”

<

The group urged the public to “take our warning seriously” and declared Saudi Arabia accountable for any failed missile interceptions.

Riyadh has requested additional missile defense systems from the US and European allies to counter escalating Houthi operations in Yemen.

Saree emphasized the group’s strategy: “airport for airport, siege for siege, and escalation for escalation” until their objectives are met.

Throughout the week, Houthis have intensified strikes on Riyadh’s airport, prompting Saudi forces to escalate offensive operations in Yemeni territories amidst rapid Houthi territorial gains since September.

The rebels have captured islands in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and established Red Sea positions, exacerbating risks to Saudi oil export routes as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Global condemnation has mounted following Saturday’s attack, which killed at least 12 and injured 309 at Riyadh’s airport terminals. Victims included nationals from six countries. A projectile also struck near King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, an alternative hub for travelers.

King Khalid International remains closed Thursday, with Saudi authorities assessing flight operations at other airports. Multiple carriers—including Air India and Lufthansa—previously suspended Riyadh routes since the conflict escalated.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack as a violation of international law, emphasizing that “attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must cease immediately.”

EU President Ursula von der Leyen described the strike as a “dangerous escalation” and noted Iran-aligned forces are “destabilizing global energy and transport networks.”

The UK has deployed air defenses and RAF refueling aircraft to Saudi Arabia since September to ensure Red Sea oil flow security. UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that Houthi civilian targeting justifies British support.

Iraqi officials warned the attack threatens regional stability, underscoring the conflict’s expanding geopolitical implications.

US President Donald Trump indicated potential US involvement in retaliatory operations against the Houthis, stating, “We may [join Saudi airstrikes], we’re going to look at it.”

Source link