CORRECTION Mideast Wars
This image from video obtained and verified by AP shows thick black smoke and flames rising from a fire at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. CORRECTION: Corrects the day and date to Thrusday, Oct. 8, instead of Friday, Oct. 9.
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Saudi Arabia says an attack on the Riyadh airport has killed 12 people and wounded over 300 others. Authorities say the dead on Saturday included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, a Palestinian, a U.S. citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged an American citizen had been killed. U.S. President Donald Trump calls the attack unacceptable. A Saudi-led coalition blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The attack is the latest of several in the past week on King Khalid International Airport. The Houthis claimed the others. The attack is expected to increase Saudi pressure on allies for military support.
A passenger terminal at the international airport in Riyadh has been struck again, a day after a missile hit the complex and killed 12 people. Saudi authorities say Sunday’s strike killed one person, described as a Pakistani national, and injured 11 as King Khalid International Airport remained closed. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility. President Donald Trump has said he is considering joining the fight against the rebels in the latest front in the Iran war. The Houthis have threatened more strikes across Saudi Arabia and warned airlines about using Saudi airspace. Officials have told The Associated Press that the Saudis are running low on missile interceptors.
Saudi Arabia has launched an investigation into how its air defenses failed to intercept missiles and drones fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The attack on Riyadh airport killed at least 13 people and wounded over 300. Officials say the Houthis first used drones to pave the way for missiles to reach the airport. The investigation also aims to determine why the air defense systems did not provide earlier warning. Saudi state-run media reported a new attack involving drones and cruise missiles on Monday. The Saudis are seeking more direct U.S. involvement in their fight against the Houthis.
