UN Chief condemns Houthi attack on Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned a reported Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, expressing deep shock over the loss of life and calling for an immediate halt to attacks against the kingdom.

According to foreign media reports, the attack left 12 people dead and 309 others injured, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and the protection of critical infrastructure amid regional tensions.

Guterres expressed his condolences over the casualties and said attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law. He called on the Houthi militia to immediately stop attacks against Saudi Arabia.

The UN chief stressed that civilians and essential facilities must not be targeted, underscoring the need to respect international legal obligations and prevent further loss of life.

The reported strike on the airport has added to concerns over the potential humanitarian consequences of escalating hostilities in the region. Airports are vital facilities for civilian travel, emergency operations and the movement of essential supplies, making attacks on such sites particularly concerning.

Guterres’s condemnation reflects the United Nations’ broader call for restraint and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

The reported casualties could further heighten regional tensions, while the UN’s appeal for an immediate halt to attacks highlights the urgency of preventing further violence and safeguarding civilian lives.

The circumstances surrounding the reported attack were not detailed in the supplied report.