Three Saudi citizens were killed and several people of other nationalities injured in attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and an empty Saudia Airlines aircraft, Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said.
The strikes on Thursday were the deadliest reported in Saudi Arabia since the kingdom and allied forces in neighbouring Yemen launched a major offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels last weekend.
Saudi authorities said one attack hit airport facilities during the afternoon, while another struck the aircraft. The statement did not name those responsible.
However, the Houthis have repeatedly claimed attacks on Riyadh airport this week using ballistic missiles, including one on Thursday. They have also warned airlines operating in Saudi airspace “for the last time” about what they described as the potential consequences.
Capt Hamoud Ali Alkalthami was among those killed, according to the Saudia Group. The attack appeared to be the first confirmed strike on the Saudi national carrier since the latest offensive against the Houthis began.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation said injuries suffered by Saudi citizens and people of other nationalities ranged from minor to serious.
Saudi officials said on Wednesday that attacks claimed by the Houthis on Riyadh and Abha airports had killed three people. The escalation has unfolded amid a wider Middle East war sparked by a joint US-Israeli assault on Iran in late February.
