A missile launched from Yemen struck the runway at King Khalid International Airport, smashing the airfield’s radar and forcing all flights to divert.
The Houthis said the strike was retaliation for a Saudi raid on Sanaa and for the coalition’s seizure of the Bab al‑Mandeb strait. "We are striking back for Saudi aggression," said a Houthi spokesperson.
Saudi Arabia has now called on the United States to consider direct air support against the Houthis. President Trump acknowledged the possibility, saying, "We may…"
The airport shutdown has disrupted thousands of passengers and forced Riyadh’s Al‑Masri school to switch to online classes, highlighting the civilian toll.
Meanwhile, Saudi warplanes have already targeted Houthi positions near Mokha and the Bab al‑Mandeb corridor, with the coalition claiming it has reclaimed strategic ports.