Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports Kill Three, Trigger Retaliation
A wave of violence has swept across the Arabian Peninsula as Yemen-based Houthi rebels launched devastating attacks on civilian aviation hubs in Saudi Arabia. The strikes, which targeted major airports in Riyadh and Abha, have resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries, sparking a massive military counter-offensive by the Saudi-led coalition.
Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that both Abha International Airport and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport were hit during the strikes between Tuesday and Wednesday. The human toll has been significant, affecting multiple nationalities:
- Abha International Airport: One Egyptian national and one Algerian national were killed, while 28 others sustained injuries.
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh): One Sudanese national lost his life. Among the eight injured were five Saudis, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani.
Beyond the loss of life, authorities reported substantial material damage to airport infrastructure. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that ballistic missiles and drones were deployed against the airports and the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait.
Massive Military Counter-Strike
The Saudi-led coalition responded with overwhelming force. After successfully intercepting a ballistic missile north of Riyadh and destroying a Houthi launch platform near Sanaa, the coalition launched a wide-scale counter-offensive late Wednesday.
Military reports indicate that 82 Houthi military targets were destroyed across several Yemeni provinces, including Saada, Hodeidah, Al-Jouf, and Marib. The strikes targeted critical assets such as:
- Missile stockpiles
- Command and control centers
- Communication sites
- Weapon depots
The chaos extended to Aden International Airport, where the Yemeni Transport Ministry reported that a Houthi missile landed near a runway just as a flight from Cairo was approaching.
Aviation Chaos and Economic Ripple Effects
The conflict is causing significant disruption to regional travel and commerce. Aviation schedules have been thrown into disarray, with numerous flights to the U.S., Lebanon, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait facing delays or outright cancellations.
Major airlines have already taken defensive measures:
- Air France: Has suspended all services to Dubai and Riyadh until October 24.
- Cathay Pacific: Has canceled Dubai-Riyadh routes through January 31, 2027.
The instability is also being felt at the pump in the UAE. October fuel prices have seen a sharp increase of between 11.6 and 16.6 percent. Currently, Special 95 is priced at 4.28 dirhams per liter, while Super 98 stands at 4.40 dirhams.
In the global markets, Brent crude rose 2.63 percent to approximately $102.84 on Thursday as tensions flared. Regional stock markets in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar all saw declines on Wednesday, reflecting investor anxiety over the escalating hostilities.
Humanitarian Crisis and Maritime Tension
As the military conflict intensifies, the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 200,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting. Furthermore, three out of every four families in certain parts of Yemen are now facing acute food insecurity.
The maritime corridors of the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab also remain under threat. While the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) maintains that commercial traffic continues through the strait, a tanker located near the coast of Qatar was recently struck by projectiles, with casualties reported but not yet confirmed.