Riyadh airport suffers second Houthi strike in 48 hours, killing 13 and injuring over 300

Key points

A projectile hit Passenger Hall No. 4 at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, causing a fire and injuries, following a Saturday strike that killed 13 and injured 309.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, and warned airlines against using Saudi airspace, targeting all airports except those in Mecca and Medina.

President Trump said the U.S. would 'make a decision' and 'move very quickly' on whether to join Saudi strikes against the Houthis, while UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested potential additional support for Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition called the Saturday strike a 'war crime' and vowed a response, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a 'violation of international law.'

The attacks follow the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire and a Saudi-backed offensive against Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast, which threatens shipping through the Bab el Mandeb strait.

Background

The strikes follow a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and oil infrastructure since a 2022 ceasefire collapsed in July. The Houthis, who control about a quarter of Yemeni territory and 80% of its population, have expanded operations along the Red Sea coast, threatening the Bab el Mandeb strait, a key shipping route. Saudi Arabia fears an Iranian satellite state on its southern border if the Houthis seize full control of Yemen.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and CBS News reported the Sunday strike as a second attack in two days, with CBS noting 12 killed and 309 injured in the Saturday strike, while BBC cited 13 killed. NBC News emphasized Trump's potential U.S. involvement, quoting him saying 'We may. We're gonna look at it.' All sources agreed the attacks were the deadliest on a Gulf Arab state since the Iran war began in February. The Houthis claimed responsibility, but CBS noted they had not immediately claimed the Saturday strike, while BBC and NBC confirmed their responsibility for earlier attacks. UK and US officials condemned the attacks, with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband calling them 'appalled' and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming a US citizen was killed.

Why it matters

The strikes threaten regional stability, global oil prices, and air travel, with the Houthis targeting Saudi aviation and energy infrastructure. Trump's potential U.S. involvement could escalate the conflict, while the Houthis' control of the Red Sea coast threatens shipping through the Bab el Mandeb strait, a key alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks also highlight the ongoing Yemen civil war and Saudi Arabia's efforts to prevent an Iranian satellite state on its southern border.

What to watch

The Saudi-led coalition vowed a response, while Trump is weighing U.S. military involvement. The Houthis warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, and global airlines have suspended flights. The UN and international partners are calling for 'decisive actions' to prevent further escalation. The Saudi energy ministry is still promoting a major energy conference in Riyadh, despite the attacks.