Riyadh airport attack kills 12, including an American, and injures hundreds, Saudi officials say

Key Points:

• A deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured over 300, marking the deadliest strike in a Gulf Arab country since the Iran war began, with victims from multiple nationalities.
• The attack, part of a recent surge in Houthi rebel strikes amid intensified fighting in Yemen, led to the suspension of Riyadh airport operations and heightened calls for increased Saudi military support, including potential U.S. involvement.
• The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi infrastructure and shipping routes, escalating regional tensions and prompting warnings from several countries for their citizens to avoid the airport.
• Saudi Arabia is reportedly facing shortages of missile interceptors and has requested air defense support from allies like France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt, while continuing to receive U.S. intelligence and planning assistance.
• Flight disruptions have increased significantly, with hundreds of cancellations and airlines suspending service to Saudi airports due to safety concerns amid ongoing missile and drone threats.