On Saturday, a Houthi missile slammed into Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, killing 12 and wounding about 300. The sudden blast triggered airport sirens and forced the terminal into emergency mode. The Saudi‑led coalition reported that another projectile struck a passenger terminal on Sunday, but casualty details remain unclear.
A 32‑year‑old Riyadh resident described a deafening explosion that shook the terminal, followed by frantic crowds and severe injuries. He recounted seeing people with blood‑stained faces, some missing limbs, and the chaos that unfolded before security ushered passengers to a lower floor.
Hospitals across Riyadh were put on high alert, with the health ministry directing doctors to all facilities. A senior surgeon told AFP the casualty numbers were unprecedented, noting patients with shattered limbs, glass fragments in the face, and severe shock. Four patients suffered nervous breakdowns.
A Saudi military spokesman called the strike a "full‑fledged war crime," and the coalition pledged to target Houthi launch sites. The government has remained silent on the scale of attacks, and warning texts that used to alert residents have gone dark.
An Indian family stranded after a diversion to Dammam spent the night on airport benches with no luggage, and a 39‑year‑old woman on a flight that abruptly turned back to Jeddah said she would never fly through Saudi Arabia again. The chaos underscores the broader disruption to air travel across the kingdom.
The Saudi‑led coalition has closed the airport for the second day and plans to deploy additional air defenses, while Houthi rebels claim responsibility for the strikes. Authorities are preparing to issue clearer communication to residents as further attacks are expected.