Houthis claim Saudi airport strike as regional powers bolster Riyadh

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it had struck King Fahd International Airport in Riyadh along with other targets across Saudi Arabia, marking an escalation in the group's cross-border military capabilities. The claims underscored the ongoing volatility in Yemen's civil conflict and the threats facing Saudi Arabia's critical infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies have been engaged in sustained operations to push back Houthi forces and reclaim territory held by the rebel group in Yemen. The military campaign has intensified as regional and international powers seek to counter the Houthis' growing arsenal and operational reach.

In a significant show of international support, Pakistan and Turkey have committed to deploying troops to Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the kingdom's defence posture. The pledges reflect broader regional concerns about the Houthis' capabilities and the spillover effects of Yemen's protracted conflict.

The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have previously demonstrated the ability to strike targets deep within Saudi territory. The group's attacks have drawn international attention and concern from Gulf states dependent on stable air and maritime corridors for commerce and security.