A missile attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels struck Riyadh's international airport on Saturday, resulting in injuries to dozens of individuals and prompting evacuations from the terminal. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as the attack unfolded, with one individual describing the moment of impact and the ensuing panic among passengers.

The attack reportedly occurred around 3:00 PM local time, as a diplomatic source informed AFP that the missile targeted the civilian airport. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud explosion while waiting to board their flights. One witness, who was near gate 403, stated, "I saw 401 hit, I saw injured in front of my eyes. Everyone was running."

Local hospital sources confirmed that at least five individuals were in intensive care following the incident, with many others suffering injuries from shattered glass and debris. A relative of one injured person reported that their loved one sustained wounds to the shoulders and arms.

Despite the alarming reports, Saudi authorities have yet to officially confirm the attack or the evacuation of passengers. However, multiple witnesses corroborated the evacuation efforts, indicating a significant response to the incident.

This missile strike is part of a broader pattern of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly targeting civilian infrastructure. Just days prior, Riyadh airport had already experienced deadly assaults, with the Houthis claiming responsibility for attacks that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a pilot for Saudia, the national airline. The airport had issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight statuses in light of the escalating violence.

The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has intensified since a truce collapsed in July, leading to an unprecedented scale of missile strikes targeting the Saudi capital. The Houthis have been actively attacking various civilian targets, including airports and oil facilities, as they continue to assert their military capabilities.

In response to the Houthi aggression, Saudi-supported government forces in Yemen have been making advances against the rebels, particularly around the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait. Military sources indicated that the Yemeni government has launched a counter-offensive aimed at reclaiming territory lost to the Houthis, although claims from both sides regarding the conflict's developments remain difficult to verify due to the rapidly changing situation on the ground.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, with fears that the conflict could further destabilize the region and impact global oil supply routes. The situation at Riyadh airport serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and its implications for civilian safety in the area.