Saudi Arabia has vowed a serious response after a series of Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 18 people, injured hundreds and forced airport operations to remain suspended.
Energy Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman issued the warning on Monday while addressing the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, saying the recent attacks had put the country under severe pressure.
“The events of recent weeks are serious. Our response must be equally serious,” the minister said.
The deadliest attack occurred on Saturday, when Houthi strikes killed 13 people and wounded hundreds at King Khalid International Airport. The incident was reported as the deadliest attack on Saudi soil in more than a decade.
The latest casualties followed further attacks on Wednesday and Thursday, which killed four people, and another strike on Sunday that claimed one life. The series of incidents has intensified pressure on Saudi authorities as they consider their response.
The Houthis said their attacks were carried out in retaliation for what they described as “brutal Saudi aggression” against areas under their control in western Yemen. Their statement presented the strikes as a response to Saudi military action, highlighting the continuing confrontation between the two sides.
The violence has also disrupted operations at one of Saudi Arabia’s major international aviation hubs. Flights and other airport operations remained suspended on Monday, leaving the facility on the outskirts of Riyadh unable to resume normal activity.
Footage released by Saudi authorities showed the moments surrounding Saturday’s attack. In the CCTV recording, Muslim pilgrims wearing religious garments could be seen waiting in departure lounges before a sudden flash tore through the building. Burning debris then fell through the affected area as the attack unfolded.
The footage offered a glimpse of the disruption and danger faced by people inside the airport during the strike. With 18 people reported dead across the recent attacks, the Saudi government’s warning signals a potentially significant response to the escalating violence.
The minister did not specify what measures Saudi Arabia would take or when they might be announced. His remarks nevertheless made clear that Riyadh regards the recent attacks as a serious challenge to the country’s security.
