In brief
Energy Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman warned of a "serious" response after Houthi forces hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and other oil installations. The attacks, which killed dozens and disabled aviation infrastructure, sparked international condemnation and prompted airlines such as Qatar Airways to suspend flights to Saudi hubs. Saudi-led coalition forces intercepted missiles and drones, and the Houthis have declared an escalation in response to alleged Saudi aggression. The incident heightens tensions across the Red Sea corridor, which already sees ongoing conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman told the WPC Energy Congress that the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities required a "serious" national response. The 8‑day period saw four separate strikes on King Khalid International Airport, killing a Pakistani resident and a Saudia pilot, and forcing international airlines to halt operations to Riyadh and Dammam.
Saudi‑led coalition jets intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh on Monday evening and destroyed a Houthi‑fired drone near Eastern Province. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree declared the group would continue escalating its attacks in retaliation for what it calls a Saudi blockade of Yemen’s ports and airspace.
The attacks triggered a wave of international criticism. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres called the strikes a violation of international law, while the United States reportedly offered intelligence and targeting support to Saudi forces.
Citing the disruption, Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam, and Etihad Airlines cancelled routes between Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. King Khalid airport remains closed until the 15th of October.
The escalating violence follows Yemen’s civil war that erupted in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa. Their 2024 offensive along the Red Sea coast has threatened maritime traffic and underscored the fragile security environment in the Gulf of Aden.
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