Saudi airports hit as Middle East conflict escalates with Houthis
Saudi Arabia reported that two of its airports were struck in renewed fighting with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, resulting in three light injuries. The attacks targeted the airports in Najran and Jizan, causing damage to both facilities. The Houthis, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the strikes, which also targeted Saudi oil facilities and military bases.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified as the kingdom and its allies aim to reclaim Houthi-controlled territory near the Red Sea. The goal is to prevent disruptions to oil exports from the region. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the attacks but did not specify the responsible party.
Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed one person and severely injured another, according to health officials at Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated it targeted a militant in the strike, which took place near a densely populated area. This incident occurred nearly a year after a ceasefire went into effect, during which over 1,460 Palestinians have been killed, per Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel is observing the three-year anniversary of the deadliest attack in its history, marked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault. The attack resulted in around 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, sparking a broader regional conflict. The trauma from the attack persists, particularly in communities near the Gaza border, where many Israelis continue to view Palestinians as a threat.