Politics · India Bureau
Saudi-led coalition reports 20 Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport this month
The Iran-backed Houthi movement has intensified strikes against key Saudi Arabian infrastructure, including repeated drone and missile attacks targeting the capital's airport. The escalation marks a sharp uptick in cross-border violence amid Yemen's ongoing civil conflict.
LSN India ·
Saudi Arabia's military coalition said Houthi forces have launched approximately 20 attacks on Riyadh's main airport during the current month, employing both ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the coordinated strikes. The uptick in hostilities represents a significant escalation in the Yemen conflict, which has dragged on for years with devastating humanitarian consequences.
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen's populated northern regions, have justified their attacks as retaliation against Saudi Arabia's military intervention supporting government forces in the renewed fighting. The group, believed to receive support from Iran, has repeatedly targeted Saudi energy infrastructure and civilian sites in recent years, though the kingdom's air defenses have intercepted many projectiles.
The campaign reflects the persistent tensions across the Arabian Peninsula, where Saudi Arabia leads a coalition of Arab states in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government. The intensity of recent strikes suggests Houthi capabilities may have improved, raising concerns about regional stability and the safety of critical infrastructure in the kingdom.
International organizations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and political settlement in Yemen, warning that the conflict has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The renewal of major combat operations threatens fragile peace initiatives and could further destabilize the region.