At least 12 killed, more than 300 hurt in strike on Saudi airport, officials say

A deadly strike hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, according to Saudi officials. Among the confirmed dead is an American citizen, and the deceased include citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.

Saudi authorities said operations at the airport were suspended through midnight, and a heavy police presence was deployed with entrances blocked and reduced lighting around the complex. Flights were reportedly diverted as a result of the attack.

A regional official described the strike as affecting terminals 3 and 4 used for domestic flights, with the incident taking place amid broader regional conflict linked to Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis have previously claimed attacks on Saudi infrastructure and shipping, though they did not claim responsibility for this specific strike.

International reaction included condemnations from U.S. officials and warnings to citizens to avoid the airport, while the United Nations called the strike a dangerous escalation posing a grave threat to regional security. The incident comes during a period of intensified fighting and aerial attacks in Yemen and across Saudi aviation facilities.

Flight disruptions were extensive, with hundreds of cancellations at Riyadh and other Saudi airports in the prior 24 hours as airlines and authorities reassess safety. The broader context involves ongoing military actions by a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis and resulting tensions in regional airspace.