RIYADH, Oct 7 — Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed an attack on Abha International Airport in the southwestern Asir region. The assault killed two foreign civilians and injured 28 others. The fatalities are female residents of Moroccan and Algerian nationality.
The aviation regulator stated the attack took place on Tuesday local time, targeting airport premises. Emergency teams responded immediately. The wounded have been transferred to hospitals. Authorities inspected airport infrastructure for damage and adjusted flight schedules accordingly.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility, saying it launched a ballistic missile strike against Abha airport. The incident formed part of a series of attacks that also hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where one Sudanese resident was killed and eight people injured.
Diplomatic and industry analysts note cross-border strikes targeting civilian airports escalate geopolitical tensions across the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea region, threatening civil aviation safety and regional mobility. Saudi Arabia will boost air defence interception capabilities against drones and missiles originating from Yemen.