Riyadh: Saudi Arabia reported fresh missile and drone threats on Monday as security concerns continued following a series of attacks on airports across the kingdom. The attacks included a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the latest reports.
The Saudi led coalition said it had detected and was tracking new aerial threats against the kingdom. Saudi air defences have intercepted several incoming threats in recent days, but the outcome of the latest alerts was not fully clear in the available reports.
King Khalid International Airport remained closed on Monday as authorities continued safety inspections and assessed the damage caused by the attacks. The suspension has disrupted air travel and raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation in the region.
Saturday's attack on the Riyadh airport initially left 12 people dead and more than 300 injured. India's embassy in Saudi Arabia later confirmed that an Indian citizen who had been injured in the attack had died, bringing the death toll to 13. Saudi authorities reported that 309 people were injured, including some who required hospital treatment.
The attack was among the deadliest incidents in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade. The victims included Saudi citizens and foreign nationals, highlighting the impact of the violence on people from several countries.
A separate attack struck the airport on Sunday, October 11. The Saudi led coalition said an unidentified projectile hit Terminal 4, causing a fire. Saudi civil aviation authorities reported that one person was killed and 11 others were injured. The deceased was identified as a Pakistani resident.
Saudi authorities also reported an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the Eastern Province, on Sunday. Damage assessments and safety inspections were under way, but the full extent of the damage and whether there were casualties remained unclear in the available reports.
The latest incidents followed earlier attacks on Saudi airport facilities during the week. Saudi civil aviation authorities said three Saudi citizens were killed in incidents reported on October 8. The repeated attacks have increased pressure on the kingdom's air defence systems and disrupted operations at several airports.
Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack on Riyadh airport and other strikes, including attacks it said targeted facilities in Dammam and energy infrastructure. Saudi authorities have reported attacks on the airports, but the full extent of the damage to other claimed targets has not been independently established.
The attacks come as fighting intensifies in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has increased its military involvement in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government, which is fighting the Houthis. The movement is aligned with Iran, although the available reports do not establish that Tehran directly ordered the individual airport attacks.
The escalating conflict has prompted concern among regional governments. The United Arab Emirates has called for stronger cooperation among Gulf states on security and defence. Iran has also expressed willingness to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi military operations against the Houthis. However, no decision to participate in the strikes had been confirmed in the available reports.
The continuing airport closures and flight disruptions have affected passengers and airlines. Several carriers have cancelled or diverted services, while foreign governments and aviation authorities have warned airlines and travellers to exercise caution when operating in Saudi airspace.
Saudi Arabia is a major oil exporter, and the attacks have raised concerns about the wider economic consequences of the conflict. However, the available reports have not established that the latest airport incidents caused a confirmed interruption to oil production or exports.
Despite the security situation, an international energy conference continued in Riyadh on Sunday. Saudi authorities have also taken precautionary measures in response to the attacks, including moving schools in the capital to remote learning for part of the week.
Saudi officials continued to monitor security threats and assess damage at affected airports on Monday. The timing of the full reopening of Riyadh airport and the outcome of the latest missile and drone alerts remained uncertain.