Saudi Arabia reported a new series of incoming missiles and drones on Monday, October 12, following a deadly strike on Riyadh's main airport two days earlier. King Khalid International Airport in the capital remained closed as the Saudi-led coalition, which supports government forces in Yemen, monitored the new barrage. The Yemen-based Houthi group, which is allied with Iran, claimed responsibility for the initial attack on a departure terminal on Saturday, October 10.
The escalation occurs as Saudi Arabia has re-entered Yemen's civil war to contest Houthi control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil shipping route. While Saudi-backed forces have reported some progress near the strait, Yemeni military sources indicated the Houthis maintain their position on other fronts. In response to the strikes, the Saudi military has intensified aerial operations, including reported hits in Yemen’s al-Jawf province on Monday.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stated during an energy conference in Riyadh on Monday that the kingdom remains committed to its industrial goals despite the attacks. Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates (UAE) presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for a renewal of collective Gulf security, stating that the targeting of Saudi Arabia affects all regional states. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Monday that Tehran is ready to facilitate dialogue between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
The conflict involves regional powers and international interests, with the UAE calling for a unified defense response and U.S. President Donald Trump stating on Saturday, October 10, that Washington is considering joining Saudi Arabia in military strikes against the Houthis. A direct U.S. intervention or a sustained shutdown of Saudi infrastructure would impact global energy markets and regional security agreements. Residents and businesses in Riyadh are seeing the effects through suspended flights and military activity, while the broader Gulf region faces potential shifts in defense policy.
What happens next depends on whether the Saudi-led coalition can successfully intercept incoming fire and if the U.S. decides to take military action. Riyadh airport is scheduled to remain shut for now as authorities assess damage and security risks. While Iran has offered to mediate, the Houthis have shown no indication of ceasing their campaign against Saudi infrastructure. The specific timeline for reopening Saudi airspace or the commencement of any U.S.-led operations has not been reported.