Missile hits Riyadh airport again; German minister stranded

At least twelve people were killed and over 300 injured in the attack on Riyadh airport. The Saudi-led military coalition blames the Houthis for the heaviest attack since the start of the Iran war.

The airport in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, has been attacked once again — a projectile struck Terminal 4. A previous attack had killed several people and injured hundreds.

New Strike on Sunday

Following an attack that left twelve dead and hundreds injured, the international airport of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, was attacked again on Sunday.

The Saudi-led military coalition against the Yemeni Houthi militia stated that a projectile struck Terminal 4 of the airport and triggered a fire. Air defenses also "intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile near the airport," according to coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki. Journalists from the news agency AFP and residents of Riyadh had previously heard two strong explosions.

Impact on German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche

According to reports by Bild and the news agency Reuters, the attacks have also had consequences for Germany's Economy Minister, Katherina Reiche, who is currently attending conferences in Riyadh. Her return trip to Berlin, scheduled for Monday, cannot take place as planned.

"The federal minister and her staff will return safely and soundly," a spokesperson emphasized to Reuters. The necessary logistics are currently being coordinated between the ministries and authorities involved, and alternative return options are being examined.

Casualties from Saturday's Attack

On Saturday, according to Saudi authorities, twelve people were killed and 309 others injured in an attack on Riyadh airport. The airport was closed, and flight operations remained suspended on Sunday as well. The Saudi-led military coalition blamed the Houthi militia in Yemen for the attack.

Among the at least twelve known fatalities from Saturday's attack on Riyadh were four locals and eight foreigners. 309 other people were injured in the attack on Saturday, some of them seriously, the civil aviation authority announced on Sunday.

According to the information, the foreign fatalities were one person from the United States, two people from Bangladesh, one Palestinian, and one person each from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Sudan. The statement also mentioned "material damage" caused by the attack.

Houthi Threats and Saudi Retaliation

The Iran-backed militia threatened further attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Travelers, employees, and aviation companies should not use them, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree declared.

According to the Houthi militia, Saudi Arabia attacked the airport of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Sunday — apparently as a direct response. Saudi fighter jets had bombed the airport, according to the Houthi-controlled news agency Saba. No information was provided on casualties or damage. There has been no statement from the Saudi side regarding these claims so far.

Background

Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government in its fight against the Houthis. The Iran-backed Houthi militia has controlled large parts of Yemen for years, including the capital, Sanaa. Most recently, following a lightning offensive, it took control of large portions of the coast along the strategically and economically important Bab al-Mandab strait.

AFP/dpa/gold/krott/lay