RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority said on Friday that three Saudi citizens died in Riyadh airport attacks on Thursday, which struck airport facilities and a Saudia Airlines aircraft.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said the two attacks targeted King Khalid International Airport. Several Saudi citizens and foreign residents also suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Emergency teams responded immediately and transferred the injured to hospitals. The strikes also damaged airport infrastructure.
The national carrier said one of its employees died in the attacks and offered condolences to the victim’s family. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities confirmed that airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal.
State-run Al Ekhbariya television reported that flights resumed at 8:00 pm Pakistan time on Thursday.
Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with two cruise missiles, Reuters reported. However, Saudi authorities did not identify the attackers in their announcement.
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The Houthis said they were targeting Saudi Arabia because of its support for Yemeni government forces.
Saudi Arabia has backed an offensive by Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis, as fighting between the two sides intensifies.
Earlier this week, Saudi authorities reported three deaths in separate attacks involving airports in Riyadh and Abha.
