Saudi Arabia Probes Air Defense Failure After 13 Die in Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Oct 12
Saudi Arabia Probes Air Defense Failure After 13 Die in Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Oct 12
Summary
Saudi Arabia opened an investigation after Houthi missiles and drones hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 300.
Initial findings indicate the Houthis used multiple drones to pave the way for cruise and ballistic missiles, including maneuverable warheads that challenged Patriot interceptors after flying more than 1,000 kilometers from Yemen.
The probe is also examining why Saudi defenses gave no earlier warning; Riyadh airport stayed closed Monday, financial-district staff were told to work from home, and state media reported another incoming drone-and-missile attack.
Washington is under Saudi pressure to take a more direct role against the Houthis, but U.S. strikes could trigger threats to Red Sea shipping through Bab el-Mandeb and deepen election-season backlash over inflation and fuel prices.
The attack has sharpened regional alarm: the UAE called for joint Gulf action, Iran offered mediation, and the latest strikes highlighted how the wider U.S.-Iran war is spilling across the Gulf.