New surveillance footage has emerged showing the moment a deadly missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
According to Al Jazeera, the footage released on Monday, October 12, captured Saturday’s attack, which caused explosions and panic among travellers inside the airport.
The footage showed passengers scrambling for safety as smoke and debris spread through parts of the terminal following the explosion.
Saudi authorities initially confirmed 12 deaths and 309 injuries from Saturday’s attack. The death toll later rose to 13 after an injured Indian national died.
Another strike on Sunday killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 others, bringing further disruption to the airport.
Houthi strikes disrupt Riyadh airport operations
The Saudi-led coalition blamed the attacks on the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has claimed responsibility for strikes targeting the kingdom’s aviation infrastructure.
The attacks forced the suspension of airport operations, with several international airlines cancelling or diverting flights.
Saudi authorities said damage assessments and safety inspections were underway to determine when normal operations could resume.
The kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to national security and protecting energy infrastructure despite the escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks in a joint statement, describing them as a “dangerous escalation that cannot be justified or accepted under any pretext.”
The countries demanded an immediate end to the attacks and expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its territory.
Saudi Arabia, Houthis exchange military warnings
The latest developments have intensified tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis following renewed fighting in Yemen.
Houthi-run media also reported Saudi-led airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, although those claims have not been independently verified.
The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability, international aviation and global energy supplies.
United States President Donald Trump has also indicated that Washington is considering possible involvement in military operations against the Houthis.
“We may. We’re going to look at it,” Trump told reporters when asked about possible US participation.
The United Nations has condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for an end to the escalating violence.
Saudi authorities continue to assess damage to the airport as international concern grows over further attacks and their potential consequences.
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