12 killed, 309 injured in Saudi airport attack

An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 and injured 309 as Saudi Arabia and Houthis exchanged strikes. Credit: IBT

Twelve people have been killed and 309 others injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the third reported attack on the facility in a week, according to the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.

The Saudi Gazette, an English-language newspaper, citing the civil aviation authority, reported on Sunday that the attack occurred on Saturday, October 10.

The fatalities included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and one national each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.

The authority said all the injured had been taken to hospitals for treatment, adding that some were in critical condition.

It also disclosed that the attack caused damage to airport facilities, with assessments ongoing to determine the extent of the damage.

• UN chief condemns attack on Saudi airport, demands end to strikes
• UN, EU leaders slam attack on Saudi airport
• Many feared wounded in Saudi airport blast, travellers evacuated

Airport operations were temporarily suspended after the incident to enable authorities to assess the damage, verify the safety of the facilities and protect passengers, employees and civil aviation infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition had blamed Yemen’s Houthi group for the attack.

However, the news agency noted that the group had not claimed responsibility for the October 10 incident.

The Saudi Gazette, citing the civil aviation authority, had earlier reported that three Saudi nationals were killed and several others injured in two separate attacks on the airport on Thursday.

Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.