King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, announced on Sunday its partial resumption of operations following a temporary suspension caused by recent missile and drone attacks. Authorities confirmed that Terminal 1 is now designated for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 will handle international services operated by national carriers.
The decision to halt airport activities came after the facility sustained multiple attacks, resulting in casualties and prompting Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation to suspend services, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. These incidents unfold amidst an escalation of hostilities in the region, with Houthi forces intensifying their assaults on Saudi Arabia in response to military operations by Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces aiming to reclaim Houthi-held territories.
A significant exchange of fire characterized the recent days. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the group launched seven missile and drone attacks across Saudi Arabia on Saturday. These strikes reportedly targeted key installations, including airports, oil facilities, and a military base in Riyadh. Saree specifically mentioned King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh being hit in two distinct phases, alongside Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Other cities listed as targets included Yanbu, Rabigh, Dammam, Najran, and Khamis Mushait.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition announced successful interceptions of several Houthi missiles directed at Riyadh, Taif, and Yanbu, along with a drone in the Eastern Province. Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defence further reported that debris from two intercepted missiles landed in the Mecca and Medina regions. However, the Houthi group swiftly denied targeting these holy cities, labeling such claims as "false and unfounded." They asserted that Saturday's extensive attacks were a direct retaliation for approximately 100 Saudi airstrikes over the preceding 24 hours on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Mocha in Taiz province.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean Gulf