Houthi Attacks on Southern Saudi Arabia Injure 73 People
On September 8, 2026, the Saudi-led coalition reported a series of Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic sites in the Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. A total of 73 civilians were reported injured, including women and children.
Attack Details and Airport Disruption
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki labeled the strikes a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia and the safety of its citizens and residents, pledging necessary operational measures to neutralize the threat. Houthi-linked media claimed responsibility for strikes using missiles and drones against Abha International Airport, the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, and energy facilities in the Abha-Jazan region. While the Saudi coalition confirmed the attacks and the casualty figure, it has not provided a detailed technical breakdown of specific weapon types or impact points. Flight operations at Abha International Airport have been affected, with several early-morning Saudia services, including flights SV1680 and SV1668 to Riyadh, being cancelled. While the airport has not ceased operations entirely, with services to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, Kuwait, and Sharjah still listed on the schedule, passengers are advised to verify flight status directly through airlines due to the risk of short-notice changes.
Advisory for Indian Nationals
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh notes that approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals reside in the Kingdom, with many employed in sectors such as construction, healthcare, retail, transport, hospitality, maintenance, oil-and-gas, and services. Many Indian workers and their families are located in the affected southern cities. The Embassy has issued an advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. For emergencies, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh can be reached at +966-11-4884697, via WhatsApp at +966-542126748, toll-free at 800 247 1234, or via email at [email protected]. The Jeddah Consulate can be reached via WhatsApp at +966 536209704, landlines at +966 12 6648660 / +966 12 2614093, mobile at +966 556122301, toll-free at 800 244 0003, or email at [email protected]. Residents in the region are advised to maintain physical copies of passports, Iqama documents, and health insurance, and to avoid approaching emergency-response sites.