Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was struck by Houthi forces on Sunday, just a day after a deadly attack that claimed the lives of at least twelve individuals. This latest assault marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Iran-backed Houthi group and Saudi Arabia, which has been actively supporting the Yemeni government since 2015.

The recent wave of attacks began on Saturday when the Houthis targeted the airport, resulting in the highest death toll from a single incident on Saudi soil in over a decade. The civil aviation authority reported multiple injuries, and operations at the airport were suspended as authorities began a damage assessment. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos, with injured passengers fleeing the terminal, some severely wounded.

Following the initial attack, the Houthis claimed responsibility for several strikes, including one on the Riyadh airport and another on Dammam airport in the eastern region. The Saudi-led coalition reported that a projectile hit the Riyadh airport, igniting a fire, while air defenses managed to intercept a missile aimed at the area. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions, with one resident noting, "The whole house shook."

The Houthi group has intensified its operations against Saudi Arabia, targeting not only airports but also oil facilities and maritime vessels in the Red Sea. Security analyst Thomas Juneau from Ottawa University highlighted the challenges Saudi Arabia faces in defending its extensive territory, stating, "It’s simply impossible for them to consistently defend themselves."

In response to the Saturday attack, the anti-Houthi coalition condemned the incident as a "full-fledged war crime" and vowed to retaliate decisively. The attack drew widespread condemnation from international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who indicated a potential military response against the Houthis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the violence, calling it a "horrific terrorist attack."

The death toll from the airport strike includes four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshis, and individuals from several other nationalities, with a total of 309 injuries reported. The Indian embassy confirmed that one of its citizens succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.

As a precaution, multiple embassies, including those of the US, Canada, Germany, and Spain, have advised their citizens to avoid the Riyadh airport. Australia has gone further, urging its citizens to remain indoors and shelter in place due to the ongoing threat.

This escalation comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for a busy travel season, with millions of pilgrims expected to visit Mecca for Umrah. The situation remains fluid, with both sides in the Yemen conflict claiming advances and counter-advances, making it difficult for independent verification of claims on the ground. As the conflict continues, the impact on civilian safety and regional stability remains a pressing concern.