CCTV shows moment Houthi missile struck Riyadh airport as blast rips through terminal; Indian among 14 killed
The footage combines visuals from several parts of King Khalid International Airport shortly before the missile hit the premises.
PTC News Desk: Travellers, including pilgrims travelling to Islam’s two holiest cities, ran for safety after a missile struck Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. CCTV footage released by Saudi state television captured the panic and chaos following the attack.
The footage combines visuals from several parts of King Khalid International Airport shortly before the missile hit the premises. Passengers can be seen waiting to board their flights when a bright orange flash suddenly erupts, sending people running for cover. Parts of the airport roof also appear to cave in following the impact.
Also Read: Indian national among 13 killed in Houthi missile attack on Saudi's Riyadh airport
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the rebels had also targeted Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and two facilities belonging to Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco.
Another attack reported on Riyadh
The violence continued on Sunday, when another attack targeted Riyadh airport. According to Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and Saudi civil aviation authorities, an unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4, causing a fire. Authorities reported one death and 11 injuries.
Saudi air defences also intercepted a drone over the Eastern Province and a ballistic missile fired towards Khamis Mushait.
Emergency alerts were issued in Abha early Monday, but the danger had passed, Saudi Civil Defense said. The latest incidents increased the reported death toll from attacks on Riyadh airport to 18 over the week.
UK and US issue travel warning
The Houthis had earlier warned people against using Saudi airports, urging them to take the warnings seriously. The group also held Saudi Arabia responsible for any failure to intercept incoming attacks.
Amid the growing security threat, the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and airports across the kingdom, with Medina airport excluded from the advisory. US aviation authorities also issued a notice urging American airlines to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities separately announced that schools in Riyadh would switch from in-person classes to remote learning from Sunday through Thursday.
Saudi airstrikes add tensions to Yemen
The latest attacks come as Saudi Arabia has increased its military involvement in Yemen. Riyadh has launched strikes against the Houthis and backed a government counteroffensive after the rebels seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month.
On Sunday, the Houthis claimed that Saudi Arabia had carried out 124 airstrikes in Yemen over the previous 24 hours. Yemen’s Houthi-run foreign ministry warned that further escalation could follow unless Riyadh stopped its military operations and interference in the country.