Houthi Missile Strikes Hit Aden Airport and Riyadh
Regional hostilities escalated sharply on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as a series of dawn attacks involving ballistic missiles and explosive drones targeted critical infrastructure in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The coordinated strikes, claimed by Houthi forces, have disrupted civilian aviation, impacted maritime safety, and contributed to a surge in global oil prices.
Chaos at Aden International Airport
At daybreak, the approaches to Aden International Airport in southern Yemen were struck by missiles and drones. The attack forced the immediate diversion of Yemenia flight 603, which was en route from Cairo, to Jeddah. Other aircraft stationed on the ground were urgently moved to safety to avoid potential damage.
While no fatalities were confirmed following the strikes, Yemeni officials expressed outrage. The Yemen Transport Ministry described the incident as a "heinous assault," while Deputy Foreign Minister Mustapha Noman emphasized that the primary targets were civilian facilities.
Riyadh and Saudi Military Targets Under Fire
Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for a broader wave of coordinated strikes. According to the spokesperson, the attacks targeted:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- Abha airport
- The Khamis Mushait air base
- Saudi military supplies at Badr camp near Aden
The Houthis alleged that the strikes resulted in dozens of casualties among Saudi soldiers and the destruction of significant weapons depots, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Saudi authorities confirmed they successfully intercepted a ballistic missile north of Riyadh and another aimed at Khamis Mushait. The strikes caused notable disruptions to air travel, with Flightradar24 recording holds for various flights at King Khalid International Airport. This follows previous strikes on Jazan and Najran airports on Monday evening, which resulted in three injuries.
Escalating Conflict and Civilian Toll
The surge in violence comes in the wake of the Saudi-led "Operation Dawn of Yemen," which reportedly involves approximately 100 fighter jets. The battlefield remains highly active, with government forces claiming to have retaken strategic locations including Dhubab, Mocha, and high ground in Jabal Habashi, though Houthi forces have denied these territorial losses.
The human cost of the fighting continues to rise. Legal Affairs Minister Eshraq Al Maqtari reported that recent Houthi shelling in Taiz killed six civilians and wounded 18 others.
Maritime Attack and Rising Oil Prices
The instability is spreading to maritime routes. On Tuesday, the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace was struck by a projectile nine nautical miles off Limah, Oman. Omani forces were deployed to evacuate the injured to Khasab hospital. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack, confirming that 11 of the 19 crew members are Indian nationals.
As regional security concerns mount, global energy markets have reacted. Brent crude oil prices rose above $101 per barrel following the latest developments.
The current escalation follows the collapse of a 2022 truce and is being viewed through the lens of wider regional tensions involving the US and Iran. US Vice President JD Vance has recently noted that a resolution to the conflict may depend on Iran ceasing its enrichment activities.