Riyadh Airport Partially Reopens As Houthis, Saudi-Led Coalition Exchange Attacks

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport partially reopened on Sunday as Yemen’s Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition continued exchanging missile and drone attacks, with the Houthis warning airlines and travellers against using the facility, according to media reports.

The airport had suspended operations following a series of Houthi attacks that reportedly caused multiple deaths and injuries.

On Sunday, the Houthi group claimed it had launched dozens of ballistic missiles in three attacks against Saudi Arabia.

The first targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which the group said had achieved its objective. Other attacks targeted King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait and a Saudi Border Guard naval base in Jazan, Xinhua news agency reported.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea renewed warnings to airlines, airport employees and travellers, describing the Riyadh airport as unsafe. He also cautioned against using Saudi airspace, excluding areas over Mecca and Medina.

The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency separately quoted a military source warning workers and civilians to stay away from Saudi oil facilities. The source also cautioned Saudi Aramco shareholders about potential financial losses.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed 12 missiles and two drones launched towards the kingdom, including a ballistic missile and two drones targeting the Riyadh region.

Saudi authorities said missile debris injured two people and damaged three homes and seven vehicles.

The Houthis said they retaliated for Saudi strikes that allegedly killed or injured dozens. Spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed Saudi forces launched 56 strikes across seven Yemeni provinces in 24 hours.

Explosions rocked Yemen’s Aden city, with no immediate casualties reported. Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy condemned attacks on Arab countries and backed Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its sovereignty.

Yemen’s conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

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