Saudi Arabia has responded to drone and cruise missile attacks as tensions with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels continue to escalate, prompting heightened security measures, airport disruptions and growing concerns about regional stability.
Saudi state-run media reported on Monday, October 12, 2026, that Saudi forces had responded to the attacks but provided few details about the operation. The developments followed airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which reportedly killed one person and injured 12 others, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry.
Saudi Arabia Extends Riyadh Airport Closure
Saudi Arabia has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following several deadly attacks over the weekend.
The airport was closed after an attack on Saturday killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others. Another attack on Sunday reportedly killed one person and injured 11 more, intensifying concerns about the security of the Saudi capital.
Saudi aviation authorities said the suspension would remain in place while safety checks and operational assessments were completed. The disruption has affected domestic and international travel, with several airlines suspending or cancelling flights to Riyadh.
Reuters reported that almost all scheduled flights at the airport were cancelled on Sunday, while aviation authorities in the United States advised airlines to exercise caution when operating in Saudi airspace.
Saudi Authorities Investigate Air Defence Failure
Saudi officials have launched an investigation into how missiles reached the airport despite the country’s air defence systems.
According to regional officials cited by The Associated Press, an initial assessment suggested that multiple drones may have been deployed before cruise and ballistic missiles were launched towards the airport.
Investigators are examining why the attacks were not intercepted and whether earlier warnings could have prevented the casualties. The findings could influence future security measures protecting Saudi Arabia’s airports and other critical infrastructure.
Airstrikes Reported in Yemen
In Yemen, the Houthi-run Health Ministry said airstrikes struck two locations in Sanaa. One attack reportedly hit a salt factory in the Hamadan district, killing a man and injuring eight people. A separate strike on a house injured a woman and three children.
Houthi media blamed Saudi Arabia for the attacks, although Saudi officials had not immediately commented on the reported strikes.
The latest violence underscores the growing danger to civilians as attacks and retaliatory operations continue across the region.
Iran Offers to Mediate as Gulf Concerns Grow
Iran has reiterated its willingness to help mediate negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had repeatedly expressed support for a diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, businesses in Riyadh have instructed some employees to work remotely, and schools have shifted to online classes as security concerns persist.
The crisis has also affected maritime activity. India’s Foreign Ministry reported that two Indian sailors were missing after a drone struck the commercial tanker MT Petro Dolphin near the Strait of Hormuz. A second vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire, although all 11 Indian sailors aboard were reported safe.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains volatile, with regional governments facing pressure to protect civilians, secure vital infrastructure and prevent further escalation.
Swifteradio.com
