Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has been hit for the second time in a series of attacks, reportedly by an unidentified object that exploded in Terminal 4, set ablaze and killed one person, according to Saudi civil aviation officials. The attack occurs one day after another gruesome and fatal strike which is alleged to have killed 13, including an Indian national.
Additionally, Saudi air defence systems downed a cruise missile in the vicinity of the airport, following reports of a series of missile strikes against the airport over the past five days. The recent events have led to a temporary closure of the airport and have caused delays in the operations, leading to concerns about the safety of the passengers and staff of the airport.
CCTV Footage Shows Panic Among Travellers
It is reportedly seen as passengers stand in line to board the flights as a bright flash lights the journeying area of the airport.The online video supposedly depicts passengers standing in a line waiting for their flights when the bright flash hits the airport area. Videos from various viewpoints suggest there have been sections of the terminal’s roof damaged as someone can be seen scrambling for safety.
Airport sources indicated that the incident took place on the airport premises while the umrah pilgrims were getting ready to cross the Sudanese border. The images have highlighted the dangers for the civilian population in the continuing attacks on Saudi transport facilities.
Houthis Claim Further Attacks
The Iran-backed Houthi group has also been responsible for attacks, such as that targeting the eastern Saudi Arabian Dammam airport. The group has also warned of more strikes against operational places in the kingdom’s transport system, alleging that they are places to be targeted.
The anti-Houthi coalition condemned the report of “full-fledged war crime” perpetrated on the airport, vowing of a “decisive response”. Several airlines have reportedly deferred flights to Saudi airports and some embassies such as that of India have made a warning to citizens about the risk of air travel in that region.
Tensions Spread to Yemen
The fresh developments arrive as news of additional demonstrations against Sanaa, the capital of the rebel-holding territories of Yemen, spreads. It said in the report that Al-Masirah TV had accused Saudi Arabia of being responsible for the attacks, which were being broadcast in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and also on satellite channels affiliated with the group.
The growing clashes have raised fears about “civilian safety” and about ongoing “disruptions” to air travel around the world.