Riyadh, Oct 12:
At least 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, triggering an international outcry and raising concerns over the widening conflict in West Asia.
Saudi authorities said the victims included four Saudi nationals and eight foreigners from different countries. The reported casualties included citizens of Bangladesh, the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt. The attack caused significant disruption at the airport, with operations suspended and flights affected as emergency services responded.
The attack was attributed by Saudi Arabia to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. It was reportedly the third attack targeting the airport during the week, intensifying concerns over the security of civilian infrastructure and the possibility of further escalation.
Emergency teams were deployed to assist the injured, while authorities assessed the damage and implemented security measures. The attack has also raised questions about the protection of airports and other critical facilities as regional hostilities continue.
The incident threatens to complicate efforts to contain the conflict and restore stability across the region. Airports are essential civilian facilities, and attacks on them can have consequences beyond the immediate loss of life, disrupting travel, trade and the movement of people.
The international response has focused on condemning the attack, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and urging measures to protect civilians. The incident has added to concerns that the conflict could widen further unless diplomatic efforts succeed in reducing hostilities.