Saudi downs Houthi missiles during ongoing deadly attacks

Yemen's Houthi rebels have once again fired a ballistic missile at the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The Saudi-led military coalition claims it intercepted and destroyed the missile fired on Monday (October 12) in mid-air. This marks the third consecutive day of attacks on Riyadh. In the previous two days' attacks, there were deaths and heavy casualties at the country's main international airport.

In a message on social media platform X, coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki said a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis was intercepted as it approached Riyadh. According to Saudi authorities, the missile was destroyed by air defence systems. However, reports said explosions were heard in various parts of the capital during the attack.

Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack on Riyadh. He said the missile was aimed at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. However, the Saudi authorities' and the Houthis' accounts differ over the target and the outcome of the attack.

Earlier, on Saturday (October 10), a missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured 309. According to the Saudi civil aviation authority, two Bangladeshi nationals were among the dead. The next day, Sunday, another attack on the airport's passenger terminal killed one Pakistani national and injured 11.

Because of the successive attacks, airport operations have been suspended. According to a Reuters report on October 12, King Khalid International Airport is scheduled to remain closed until October 17. Several international airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia due to the situation, and warnings have been issued about the use of the country's airspace.

The Houthis' continuing attacks have further complicated Saudi Arabia's security situation. With airports and key installations being targeted, fears of the regional conflict spreading are also growing. However, after Monday's missile was intercepted, there has been no confirmed information about any new casualties or damage.