The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed Saturday's strike hit Terminals 3 and 4 — domestic terminals — killing 12 and wounding 309. An Indian national wounded in that attack died Sunday, raising the toll to 13. On Sunday, a second projectile hit the same airport, killing 1 Pakistani resident and wounding 11, plus a separate attack on Dammam's King Fahd airport.
The victims Saturday: 4 Saudi citizens, 2 Bangladeshis, 1 American, 1 Egyptian, 1 Jordanian, 1 Syrian, 1 Palestinian, 1 Sudanese, and later 1 Indian. The US State Department and Indian embassy confirmed their nationals.
It was the fourth Houthi attack on Riyadh airport in 5 days. Three Saudis including a pilot were killed Thursday, with aircraft destroyed on tarmac. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility and warned all airlines to avoid Saudi airports: "They have become a theatre of operations."
Saudi Arabia has closed King Khalid airport until at least Monday, diverted 100+ flights, and shifted all Riyadh schools to remote learning through Thursday. The US Mission in Saudi issued a security alert telling Americans to avoid Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports. The FAA told US airlines to exercise extreme caution over Saudi airspace.
World condemnation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "I am deeply shocked by and strongly condemn Saturday's lethal attack by the Houthis... Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law. These attacks must cease immediately."
Condemnation poured in from the US, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen — "Attacks by Iran's proxies are pushing the region into a spiral of violence" — Canada PM Mark Carney, UK, Germany, Spain, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Malaysia and about 40 others.
Trump: US may join Saudi strikes
Asked whether American forces would join Saudi Arabia's campaign against the Houthis, Trump said Saturday outside the White House:
"We may. We're going to look at it... We just found out about the recent attack. So we'll make a decision. We move very quickly. Look, the Saudis are good fighters. But I think the attack was a terrible thing."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed an American killed and said: "These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now."
The US had previously declined Saudi requests for direct intervention, providing only intelligence and refueling, after a ceasefire deal with Houthis in May. But sources told CNN Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump twice last month to strike. Trump declined then. This attack may change that.
Turkey and Pakistan agreed under the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to send defensive support and troops to protect Saudi infrastructure. UK, France pledged refueling and defence assets.
Why Houthis are hitting Saudi airports now
This is not just Yemen war spillover.
1. Since September, Houthis seized Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemeni Red Sea coast, threatening global shipping.
2. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launched a major offensive October 4 to retake that coast, with 124+ Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa in 24 hours, according to Houthis.
3. Houthis retaliated by hitting "sensitive targets" — Aramco facilities and airports — to pressure Saudi to stop.
4. Iran link: US says IRGC flying personnel into Yemen. Houthis targeting aviation directly connects to US sanctions that closed Iran's aviation sector, analysts say.
Aviation is strategic: Closing Riyadh airport disrupts Saudi economy, Vision 2030 tourism, and energy conference hosting 70+ ministers this week.
What to watch next
- Will Trump authorize strikes? White House reviewing options
- Saudi retaliation: Coalition says "large-scale operations" destroyed 130+ Houthi targets already
- Flight status: FAA warning may trigger airline suspensions — check before flying to RUH, DMM, JED
- Red Sea: If US re-engages, Houthis may hit ships again, driving oil up — Brent already volatile at $103-104
FAQ
How many died in Riyadh airport attack?
13 killed Saturday Oct 10 including an American, 309 wounded. 1 more killed Sunday Oct 11. Total 14 deaths in weekend wave, plus 3 killed earlier in week.
Did Trump say US will attack Houthis?
He said US is evaluating: "We may. We're going to look at it. We move very quickly." No final decision yet as of Oct 12.
Is king Khalid airport closed?
Yes, closed since Oct 10 attack. Saudi GACA extended closure to Monday for safety checks. Dammam also attacked and under assessment.
Why is UN condemning?
Guterres said attacks on civilian airports violate international law. UN envoy Hans Grundberg called it "grave escalation" threatening regional security and Yemen peace efforts.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?
US, UK, Canada, Germany issued warnings to avoid Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam airports except Medina. Check airline status. Land border exit advised by UK.
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Sources: Saudi GACA, UN statement Oct 11, Al Jazeera, NY Post CCTV footage, Reuters.