Saudi Arabia faced a new round of reported missile and drone threats Monday, Oct. 12, as officials continued to respond to deadly airport bombings that have crippled air traffic and heightened security worries across the nation.
The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government claimed it has identified inbound drones and missiles targeting the kingdom. It was not immediately clear how many of the weapons were intercepted or if the current onslaught caused additional victims, officials said.
The fresh threats came after a spate of strikes linked to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, including a deadly strike against Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The Associated Press cited regional officials as saying at least 13 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in Saturday’s attack.
On Sunday, another missile hit the airport complex, killing one person and wounding 11, Saudi authorities reported. The recurrent attacks have suspended airport operations, trapped passengers or forced aircraft to be cancelled, diverted or rescheduled.
The Houthis said they were behind a series of operations against Saudi interests and warned of additional attacks. As the fighting between Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other regional nations has intensified, the organization has stepped up attacks on airports and oil-related facilities.
The Saudi-led coalition has also said it has intercepted weapons heading to sites near vital oil and gas installations. The strikes threaten broader regional transport and energy infrastructure, and Saudi Arabia’s ability to retain investor trust and economic activity.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up military actions targeting the Houthis, including reported airstrikes in Yemen. But the gang has continued its campaign, increasing fears the confrontation could spread and further unsettle the region.
The United Arab Emirates called for more collaboration on security and defence amongst Gulf governments, warning that attacks on Saudi Arabia endanger the entire region. Iran, closely allied to the Houthi movement, meanwhile offered to help mediate a dialogue between the sides.
The problem has attracted attention in Washington as well. US President Donald Trump claimed the United States was considering joining Saudi Arabia in strikes on the Houthis, however Reuters reported on Monday there was no sign Washington had launched direct military action.
The Riyadh airport remains closed as further threats are reported, presenting Saudi authorities with the problem of preserving civilian infrastructure and preventing the crisis from escalating. Also, the new events are raising concerns about the security of regional air routes and energy sources.
The situation is fluid, with the amount of weapons intercepted and the entire impact of Monday’s claimed strikes yet unknown.
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