Saudi Arabia’s Media Minister Urges Public to Trust Official Sources After Houthi Assaults on Riyadh

Updated 7 min 14 sec ago

October 12, 2026 21:59

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Media Minister, Salman Al‑Dossary, called on citizens Monday to rely on official channels and refrain from sharing unverified images, videos, or information related to security and military operations. “Accurate information is essential for safeguarding security,” he said during a government press conference held in the wake of Iran‑backed Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport that resulted in at least 13 fatalities and hundreds of injuries over the weekend.

Al‑Dossary emphasized that the Kingdom is prepared to defend its territory and protect both citizens and residents from any threat. He added that “life in the Kingdom continues normally,” noting that heightened readiness is not a cause for alarm but a reflection of the state’s preparedness for various scenarios.

He described the Houthis as “a terrorist militia that has repeatedly shown disregard for international law and moral and religious principles.” Their targeting of Islam’s two holiest mosques, civilians, and critical civilian infrastructure, he said, underscores the need for collective vigilance and readiness.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, a Houthi militia attack on Saturday struck a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 300.

On Sunday, a Pakistani national was killed and 11 others injured when an unidentified projectile hit Terminal 4, sparking a fire.

The press conference also addressed housing policies, digital government services, mineral exploration, and initiatives to expand Riyadh’s transport network in response to the capital’s growth.

Al‑Dossary reported that over 63,000 Saudi families became first‑time homeowners during the first half of 2026. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia topped the regional Digital Government Services Maturity Index for the fourth consecutive year, achieving a 99 % overall score.

Exploration at the Jabal Sayid project has uncovered roughly 114 million tonnes of ore rich in rare‑earth elements, with promising indications of uranium, he noted.

Turning to the capital’s development, Al‑Dossary said Riyadh’s transformation is evident in its transport activity, urban expansion, and a growing pipeline of projects, solidifying its reputation as a hub for business and investment.

Ibrahim Al‑Sultan, CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, outlined transport investments designed to keep pace with this growth. “Riyadh boasts a large economy and abundant opportunities, with its population increasing by hundreds of thousands each year,” Al‑Sultan remarked.

The surge in daily trips for work, education, services, and leisure requires a transport network with greater capacity, broader coverage, and enhanced operational efficiency, he added.

The commission has signed contracts for 94 new trains, expanding its fleet from 183 to 277 units. The additional railcars will boost capacity and improve service on the busiest lines.

Public transport has logged close to 500 million passenger trips since operations began, including over 300 million on the Riyadh Metro. Trips by university and school students have surpassed 20 million.

Parallel to the rail expansion, bridges and tunnels will be inaugurated gradually over the next four years under a program to develop Riyadh’s ring roads and major corridors. The initiative, launched by the crown prince, covers approximately 700 km of key routes and more than 330 major intersections, encompassing the construction of over 300 bridges and 80 tunnels throughout the city.

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