Saudi and Yemeni Airports Hit in New Round of Strikes

A series of attacks on airport infrastructure in the Arabian Peninsula has raised concerns about the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, with the latest strikes reportedly hitting key airports in both countries. According to statements issued by the United Nations Security Council, the Saudi capital’s primary civilian airport was targeted again, only a day after a devastating assault that destroyed several runways and terminal buildings. Eyewitness accounts from the airport’s control tower report that a missile, launched from a position in southern Yemen, struck the terminal’s south‑east section, causing significant damage but no casualties..

The United Nations Mission in Yemen (UNMEL) has called for an immediate cease‑fire in the airspace surrounding the airport.In response to the attack, Saudi Arabian officials announced that military jets had intercepted the missile before it reached its final destination, preventing further loss of life. The Ministry of Interior issued a statement indicating that the interception had been achieved using the country’s latest surface‑to‑air defense systems. It added that the military had increased patrols in the region and that air traffic control had been temporarily suspended for safety reasons..

A spokesperson for the Royal Saudi Air Force confirmed that no aircraft were damaged in the incident, but the incident has prompted an evaluation of airport security protocols at all civilian airports nationwide.The Houthis, the armed coalition that controls large parts of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the strike. In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson in a televised address, they alleged that the missile had been launched from a location near the city of Marib in Yemen’s central highlands. The Houthis also claimed that they had targeted the Saudi aircraft that had previously attacked the Yemeni capital’s airport..

The statement further alleged that the Houthis were acting in defence of Yemeni civilians, citing a series of incidents in which Saudi airstrikes had caused civilian casualties in the region. The statement was later shared on the group’s official social media channels, where it received widespread attention from sympathisers across the Middle East.The airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has also been hit in a new round of strikes. An unconfirmed report from local sources indicates that a missile struck the airport’s control tower, damaging the communications infrastructure..

According to a witness who was on duty at the time, the missile hit the north‑west side of the tower and caused a temporary outage in the airport’s air traffic control system. The airport’s official website has since announced that operations are now being conducted from a temporary control centre, located in the airport’s maintenance building. There have been no reports of injuries, but the incident has further disrupted flight schedules to and from the city.The United Nations has called on all parties to respect the safety of civilian aviation and to avoid attacks on airports..

In a statement released by the UN ary‑General, the head of the mission in Yemen stated that “the safety of civilians and the protection of infrastructure that facilitates humanitarian aid are of paramount importance.” The UN also warned that continued attacks on airports could severely hamper the delivery of medical supplies, food, and other essential goods to the millions of people living in war‑torn Yemen. The statement came amid a broader international debate about the use of air power in conflicts and the potential for escalation.The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued a notice of compliance to all member states regarding the recent attacks. The organization’s chief, Dr..

Tamsyn Smith, said that the attacks were “in violation of international law” and that they constituted a threat to the safety of all aircraft. The ICAO’s notice urged member states to implement heightened security measures at airports that are within the conflict zone. “We cannot allow the security of civil aviation to be compromised by the use of weaponised missiles and drones,” Smith said..

“The international community must act swiftly to protect the vital infrastructure that supports the global travel and freight network.”The impact of the attacks on regional air traffic has already been noticeable. Airlines that operate routes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have grounded flights for safety concerns. According to data released by the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia, the number of flights between Riyadh and Sanaa fell by 40% over the past week, a decrease that is being attributed to the heightened risk..

In addition, international carriers have announced that they will be diverting flights to alternative airports, such as Jeddah and Aden, to avoid potential threats. The diversion of flights has caused significant logistical challenges for both airlines and passengers, with many flights arriving late or requiring rebooking.In addition to the immediate security concerns, the attacks have also triggered a debate about the responsibility of governments to protect civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts. International law requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between military and civilian targets and to take precautions to minimise harm to non‑combatants..

Legal experts argue that the attacks on the Riyadh airport could be seen as a violation of that principle if the missile was launched from a location that was not a legitimate military target. However, the Houthis claim that they had no choice but to target the airport in retaliation for the earlier attack on their own infrastructure, a claim that has yet to be verified by independent investigators.The United Nations has already convened an emergency meeting to discuss the latest incidents. Delegates from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Qatar, and other regional powers are expected to attend the meeting, which is scheduled for early next week..

The meeting will address the broader conflict and will examine whether there are ways to de‑escalate the situation. The United Nations ariat has indicated that they will also discuss the potential deployment of a peacekeeping force to the area to prevent further attacks on civilian infrastructure. While the outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, many observers believe that diplomatic pressure will be key to ending the cycle of attacks on civilian aviation infrastructure.Meanwhile, the humanitarian impact of the conflict is growing..

According to reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 20 million Yemenis are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. The attacks on the airports have disrupted the delivery of aid by air, a lifeline for many of the most vulnerable populations. In response, the Red Cross has called on the parties to the conflict to guarantee safe passage for humanitarian flights..

The Red Cross has also appealed for increased support from the international community to ensure that medical supplies, food, and other essential goods continue to reach those in need. The ongoing attacks on airport infrastructure, coupled with the broader conflict, have further highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution that prioritises human life over military objectives..