Houthi attack on Riyadh airport; flights cancelled.

Bangla Press Desk: Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. A passenger aircraft sustained extensive damage in the attack. Following the incident, several international airlines suspended flights to Riyadh.
Although the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on Thursday (October 8), no evidence was provided to substantiate the claim. Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the matter. However, officials stated that three people had been killed in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports earlier this week.
Three officials told Reuters that a commercial Saudi Airlines aircraft parked at the airport terminal caught fire on Thursday. They reported that the plane was severely damaged—likely by falling debris from an intercepted missile or another projectile. It is believed there were no passengers on board at the time, though authorities could not confirm if anyone was injured.
Local residents reported hearing the sound of explosions in Riyadh, and a major blast occurred near the airport. Eyewitnesses stated that fire trucks and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. A video verified by Reuters showed black smoke and flames rising from the airport area. Outbound flights were halted, and passengers were ordered to evacuate the airport.
Following the incident, Germany's Lufthansa and India's Air India confirmed the suspension of flights to Riyadh. According to data from the aviation analytics firm Cirium, approximately half of the flights at Riyadh airport were cancelled around 3:00 PM GMT on Thursday. Forecasts indicated that another 31 flights across various Saudi airports could be cancelled on Friday.
On Thursday, the Houthis announced an escalation of attacks on Saudi Arabia. The group threatened to disrupt air traffic in the country's airspace and target energy facilities, warning workers at these sites to stay away. Meanwhile, Saudi officials have reported that debris from an intercepted missile struck a kindergarten and a medical center in Riyadh.
The Houthis have stated that they are targeting Saudi Arabia because the kingdom supports pro-government forces in the renewed civil war in Yemen. Conversely, Saudi Arabia has stated that it is assisting the UN-recognized Yemeni government in its military campaign to retake territory from the Houthis.
Over the past month, the Houthis have advanced rapidly across Yemen's coastal plains. Reports on Wednesday indicated their advance into the country's southwestern region as well; the group is moving toward the strategically important city of Taiz. Independent observers had previously warned that the Houthis could come close to capturing the city.
Meanwhile, there are indications that forces aligned with the Saudi-backed government are falling back to reinforce security in the key port city of Aden.
Amid this situation, the 'World Petroleum Congress'—a major gathering of energy sector policymakers—is scheduled to take place in Riyadh this week. Source: Reuters
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