Houthi Strike Hits Riyadh Airport, 12 Dead, 309 Injured as Saudi Arabia Vows Retaliation

RIYADH: (News Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the reported attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He said attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure were unacceptable and called for an immediate end to such violence, stressing that these actions violate international law.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s leadership and its commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to honour its mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia.

According to the reports provided, the attack killed 12 people and injured hundreds at Riyadh’s international airport. Saudi authorities said the casualties included citizens of several countries, while some of the injured remained in serious condition.

The Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen’s Houthi movement for the strike, describing the attack on the civilian facility as a serious violation of international law. A diplomatic source reportedly attributed the strike to a missile. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for earlier attacks targeting the airport but had not immediately acknowledged the latest incident.

Airport operations were suspended following the strike as authorities assessed the damage and responded to the emergency. Medical teams were mobilised to treat the wounded, while several foreign embassies advised their citizens to stay away from the airport.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis following the collapse of a truce in Yemen. The renewed violence has heightened concerns about a broader regional conflict, particularly as the United States has indicated that it could consider joining military action against the group.

Meanwhile, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have reportedly advanced against Houthi positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategically important passage for international shipping and energy supplies.

Pakistan’s condemnation underscores its support for Saudi Arabia amid growing regional instability. The latest developments have intensified calls for restraint and renewed efforts to prevent further escalation across the region.