Houthi Missile Claims Disrupt Riyadh Flights

Houthi claims of fresh missile launches toward Saudi Arabia disrupted Riyadh air traffic on Thursday, October 8, while Saudi Civil Defence said interception debris damaged a kindergarten and medical clinic complex in the capital. Saudi authorities did not immediately confirm that a missile hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the Houthis’ claimed target. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the group launched ballistic missiles toward Riyadh airport, Najran airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait. The Saudi-led coalition said it destroyed two missiles aimed at Riyadh and another directed toward Khamis Mushait. Saudi Civil Defence attributed damage to the two Riyadh facilities to falling debris but did not specify whether anyone was injured in that incident. Smoke and flames were seen rising from a stationary aircraft at King Khalid International Airport. A witness and three people briefed on the matter said the plane caught fire and that the fire was later extinguished. Its cause was not established, and it was not clear whether the fire was connected to the claimed airport attack. The disruption extended across Riyadh’s flight schedule.