Pakistani National Killed in Fresh Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — WEB DESK: A Pakistani national was killed and 11 other people were injured when a projectile struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday, October 11, Saudi authorities said, in a second deadly attack on the airport within two days.
The latest strike hit the airport’s domestic terminal complex, according to Saudi authorities. The incident followed a missile attack on Saturday that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, intensifying security concerns across the kingdom.
Second Attack Hits Riyadh Airport
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi movement reported that a projectile struck the airport on Sunday, triggering a fire. The coalition also said air defences intercepted a missile nearby.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority confirmed that one Pakistani resident was killed and 11 people were injured in the latest incident. The identities of the injured and the severity of their injuries were not immediately detailed in the initial announcement.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for multiple attacks over the preceding 24 hours, including strikes targeting Saudi Arabia.
Airport Closure Extended
Operations at King Khalid International Airport remained suspended following the attacks. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the closure had been extended by another 24 hours, until 2100 GMT on Monday.
The disruption raised concerns for passengers, airline operators and international travellers using Riyadh as a transit hub.
Several foreign embassies had also warned their citizens about travelling through the affected airport amid the deteriorating security situation.
Pakistan Expresses Concern for Its Nationals
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over Pakistani nationals injured in the attacks and prayed for their recovery. Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh was reported to be coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist affected citizens and their families.
Islamabad has condemned attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.
The death of a Pakistani resident has added to concerns about the safety of Pakistani nationals living and working in the kingdom.
Regional Tensions Intensify
The airport attacks come amid renewed fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, who control significant territory in Yemen.
The escalation has also raised concerns about threats to Saudi transport infrastructure, oil facilities and regional shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia and its partners have condemned the attacks, while the Houthis have threatened further action against Saudi targets. Claims made by the opposing sides about military operations in Yemen remain difficult to verify independently.
Investigation and Travel Disruptions
Authorities have not released the deceased Pakistani national’s identity publicly in the reports reviewed for this article. Travellers have been advised to check directly with their airlines and airport authorities for updated flight information before travelling.
The latest incident highlights the growing risks to civilian aviation as the conflict expands beyond Yemen’s borders.
The key confirmed development is that a Pakistani resident was killed and 11 others were injured in Sunday’s attack on Riyadh airport, according to Saudi authorities.
