An American citizen is among the 12 fatalities and 309 injured in the assault on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, October 10. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed these figures early Sunday morning, noting that some of the injured remain in critical condition.
According to a GACA statement distributed by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the deceased include four Saudi citizens, two from Bangladesh, and one each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. The identities of the victims were not disclosed in this report.
Casualties and Ongoing Assessments
The 309 injured individuals are currently receiving treatment across various hospitals. GACA also reported that the attack resulted in material damage to the airport, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Temporary Halt of Airport Operations
The airport's operations were temporarily suspended as authorities conducted inspections to ensure the premises met necessary safety standards. Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines regarding flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Recurring Violence and International Reactions
The attack on Saturday follows a series of violent incidents targeting the same airport earlier in the week, which also resulted in casualties and disrupted air traffic. The figures released pertain specifically to the October 10 attack, not a cumulative account of all incidents.
Saudi Arabia's military coalition in Yemen attributed the attack to the Houthi rebels, stating it was aimed at a passenger terminal. Coalition spokesperson, General Turki al Maliki, labeled it a war crime and indicated that the coalition would retaliate, according to statements published by Saudi Gazette.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the assaults on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the American casualty. In a statement shared on social media and reported by Qatar's state news agency, Rubio called for an end to the attacks and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have previously claimed responsibility for other attacks on Saudi facilities, although no specific claim of responsibility for Saturday's attack has been confirmed.
The U.S. Department of State continues to advise reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia due to risks of armed conflict, terrorism, and missile or drone attacks. Those with flights to or from Riyadh should verify their flight status with the airline before going to the airport.
Key Questions About the Saudi Arabia Airport Attack
Who was responsible for the attack on King Khalid International Airport?
The Saudi-led military coalition attributed the attack to the Houthi rebels, who have been involved in previous assaults on Saudi Arabian facilities.
What was the international response to the airport attack?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack and called for an end to such violence, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
What precautions should travelers take when flying to or from Riyadh?
Travelers should confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, as operations may be affected by ongoing assessments following the attack.