Houthi Attacks Hit Two Saudi Airports, Injuring Three as Yemen Fighting Escalates
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — WEB DESK: Two airports in southern Saudi Arabia were targeted in attacks on Monday evening, leaving three people with minor injuries and causing limited material damage as fighting between the kingdom and Yemen’s Houthis intensifies.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport were targeted.
Emergency teams and relevant authorities responded immediately under established emergency procedures following the attacks.
Three people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Saudi aviation authorities said they were working with security agencies to assess the damage, verify the safety of airport facilities and take measures to protect passengers and employees.
Authorities were also working to ensure the security and continuity of the kingdom’s civil aviation system.
The attacks came during a sharp escalation in the Yemen conflict, where Saudi-backed government forces have launched a major offensive aimed at recapturing territory from the Houthis following weeks of advances by the group.
Saudi Arabia has intensified air operations in support of the campaign.
The Houthis have responded by launching missile and drone attacks against targets inside Saudi Arabia, including airports, military installations and energy infrastructure.
The group said it had carried out several operations targeting sites across the kingdom using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed attacks against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha Airport and military facilities in southern Saudi Arabia.
The group also referred to targets in Najran and Jazan.
Some of those wider claims have not been independently verified.
The latest escalation follows renewed large-scale fighting in Yemen, where Saudi-backed government forces have been attempting to regain strategically important territory around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea coast.
The Saudi-led coalition has simultaneously stepped up operations against Houthi missile, drone and maritime capabilities.
Regional concern has increased because attacks on civilian aviation facilities and energy infrastructure could broaden the impact of the Yemen conflict beyond the battlefield.
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the attacks on the Jazan and Najran airports and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The situation remains fluid as Saudi authorities assess damage to the two airports and military operations continue inside Yemen.
