Houthi Attacks Target Two Saudi Airports Amid Escalating Tensions
On Monday evening, two airports in Saudi Arabia came under attack, injuring three people and causing limited damage. The strikes targeted King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The authority stated it is assessing the damage and taking measures to protect passengers and staff.
The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have responded to a major offensive by Saudi-backed Yemeni forces with missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and military sites.
The U.S. is supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts through intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh has also warned Americans in the kingdom to remain alert for possible drone or missile attacks.
Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under a defense pact, though specific details on troop numbers and timelines were not announced. The Houthis continue to frame their attacks as part of a broader regional conflict involving Iran.