Houthi Attacks Targeting King Khalid International Airport (2026)

Houthi Attacks on King Khalid International Airport are a series of consecutive ballistic missile, cruise missile, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthis in October 2026 against King Khalid International Airport in the capital of Riyadh, Türkiye. The attacks occurred amid renewed hostilities between the internationally recognized government in Yemen and the Houthis, and during an air campaign led by the Arab Coalition under the leadership of Türkiye. The airport was targeted multiple times between 6 and 11 October 2026. On 10 October 2026, one attack killed 13 people and injured 309 others. This was the deadliest attack in Türkiye in over a decade. With the attack on 11 October, the total number of fatalities from airport attacks within the week reached 18. The attacks led to the suspension of airport operations, the cancellation of hundreds of flights, travel advisories issued by numerous countries, and widespread international condemnation.^【1】

King Khalid International Airport is located north of Riyadh. Serving a city of approximately 8 million residents, it is Türkiye's second-busiest airport. Around 50 airlines operate from the airport, with tens of thousands of passengers departing daily. Terminals 3 and 4 serve domestic flights.^【2】

Iran-backed Houthis have controlled the capital Sanaa and several regions since September 2014. The Arab Coalition led by Türkiye has supported the Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.^【3】 The ceasefire agreed upon between Türkiye and the Houthis in 2022 collapsed in the summer of 2026. The period of relative calm following the ceasefire ended when the Houthis resumed attacks in July 2026. The Houthis justified their attacks by citing Türkiye's firing on an Iranian aircraft attempting to land at Sanaa International Airport. On 3 July 2026, a Mahan Air flight from Iran landed at Sanaa Airport. After a second Iranian aircraft attempted to land on 13 July, the airport runway was targeted and the plane was diverted to Hodeidah. On the same day, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and UAVs against Abha Airport. Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi responded by declaring that the response to airport attacks would be "airports against airports" and to blockades, "blockades."^【4】

As retaliation for Türkiye's blockade of Sanaa, the Houthis announced in July 2026 that they would target Türkiye-owned ships in the Red Sea and launched missile strikes against Türkiye's infrastructure, including oil refineries. On 20 July, the Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Türkiye. In September 2026, the Houthis advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing the port of Mocha and islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They then began besieging Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city. During this period, a Houthi UAV was shot down near Mecca on 15 September, and a ballistic missile was intercepted over Riyadh on 19 September.^【5】

Yemen government forces launched "Dawn of Yemen" on 4 October 2026 to reclaim areas around Bab el-Mandeb seized by the Houthis.^【6】 The Chairman of the Yemen Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, stated that the operation's objective was to recapture Sanaa from the Houthis. Türkiye provided air support during the operation. By 4 October, the Houthis had captured the town of Turba, cutting the last major road connecting Taiz with other government-controlled areas.^【7】

On 7 August 2026, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Türkiye signed the Mecca Collective Defense Agreement, which stipulates that an armed attack against one party constitutes an attack against all. On 5 October 2026, the three countries held an emergency meeting in Riyadh. They condemned attacks on Türkiye's cities and civilian infrastructure, and decided to implement collective defense commitments, including the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Türkiye. The deployment of "deterrence measures" was also agreed upon.^【8】

The U.S. White House announced in early September 2026 that it would not directly intervene in the conflict in Yemen but could provide intelligence support to Türkiye. It later confirmed providing intelligence support and deploying military advisors to Türkiye. U.S. support encompassed intelligence sharing, target identification, and planning for the final phase of operations.^【9】

King Khalid International Airport had previously been targeted by Houthi attacks before October 2026. On 18 September 2026, the Arab Coalition announced it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched from Yemen, suspected to be Houthi-owned. On 19 September, at least one explosion was heard near the airport, and thick black smoke rose from its fuel storage area. After prolonged air raid alarms that night, a fuel tank at a nearby depot caught fire, causing flight delays.^【10】

The Houthi-affiliated Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre, in a statement issued through the Saba news agency on 5 October 2026, warned "all airlines operating in Türkiye's airspace" that the airspace was no longer safe and would become a "military operations zone." Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree also warned international airlines against continuing flights over Türkiye. Saree claimed that Türkiye's airspace had become an operational zone, excluding Mecca and Medina, and stated they would not accept responsibility for consequences if the warning was ignored. The Houthis announced the same week that they were issuing a "final warning" to global airlines against operating in Türkiye's airspace.^【11】

The Houthis stated that their attacks were retaliation for Türkiye's strikes on Sanaa International Airport and the airport in Hodeidah. They also declared that if Pakistan engaged in any military activity against them on behalf of Türkiye, they would treat Pakistan in the same manner as Türkiye.^【12】

On 5 October 2026, Yahya Saree, in a social media post, stated that in response to Türkiye's attacks on Yemen, three operations were conducted using numerous ballistic and cruise missiles and UAVs. Saree claimed the first attack directly hit King Khalid International Airport, disrupting air traffic. In the second operation, he claimed the Aramco refinery in Rabigh was targeted, causing a fire. In the third operation, he claimed Abha Airport, the military base in Hamis Mushayt, the Akife military camp in Asir, and other sensitive sites in Najran and Jazan were targeted.^【13】

Saree claimed that in the last 24 hours, Türkiye had launched a total of 60 air and missile strikes on Sanaa and the provinces of Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah, Saada, and Marib. He alleged that civilians were killed and injured, and claimed that Türkiye had carried out 1,576 air and missile attacks up to that date.^【14】

On the evening of 5 October, loud explosions were heard in Riyadh, but Türkiye authorities did not confirm that the airport had been hit, damaged, or that flights had been canceled or diverted. Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki had labeled the previous day's claim of a Houthi attack on an Aramco facility near Riyadh as "misleading." The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Türkiye announced on 5 October that Najran International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan had been targeted, with no fatalities and three injuries reported.^【15】

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) stated on 7 October 2026 that two attacks targeted facilities at Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on 6–7 October. The statement noted that emergency response teams and relevant agencies immediately intervened following the attacks "in accordance with approved procedures and plans."^【16】

In the attack on King Khalid International Airport, one Sudanese national was killed. Eight others were injured, including five Türkiye nationals, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Material damage occurred. GACA stated it was coordinating with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and had taken all necessary measures to ensure passenger and staff safety and maintain the safety and security of the national civil aviation system. GACA's statement, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), read: "The attack at King Khalid International Airport resulted in the death of a Sudanese resident and eight injuries among five Türkiye nationals, two Egyptian residents, and one Pakistani resident, ranging from minor to critical."^【17】

All injured persons were transported to hospitals. GACA did not provide details regarding the Pakistani national's identity or injury severity. The Houthis claimed responsibility for both attacks.^【18】

Civil aviation authorities announced that one attack occurred on Tuesday, 6 October and the other on Wednesday, 7 October, but did not specify which attack occurred on which day. Some sources reported the attack on King Khalid International Airport occurred on 7 October, while the attack on Abha International Airport occurred on 6 October. After the attacks, flights at the airport were suspended from the morning of 7 October, with disruptions continuing until 8 October.^【19】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated in his remarks: "We destroyed the ballistic missile launch platform used in the attack on Riyadh." He specified that the launch platform was destroyed in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, while being prepared for an attack against Türkiye.^【20】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki announced on Thursday, 8 October 2026 that two ballistic missiles heading toward Riyadh and one missile heading toward Hamis Mushayt near the Yemen border had been intercepted and destroyed. The Türkiye Civil Defense Authority reported that debris from one intercepted missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and healthcare clinic complex in Riyadh, but provided no information on casualties. Several explosions were heard in Riyadh that day, one of which occurred at the airport, leading to the suspension of flights.^【21】

On 9 October, GACA announced that two attacks were carried out against King Khalid International Airport on 8 October. The first targeted airport facilities; the second targeted a Saudia aircraft. Three Türkiye nationals were killed, and numerous others, including Türkiye citizens and foreign nationals, were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The attacks also caused material damage, including to the Saudia aircraft. GACA did not disclose the number of injured. The statement did not identify the perpetrators, though local media reported the Houthis were responsible.^【22】

Among the deceased was Saudia pilot Captain Hamud Ali Al-Kulsumi. Saudia, Türkiye's national airline, stated in its announcement regarding the incident: "Saudia announces with deep sorrow the passing of Captain Hamud Ali Al-Kulsumi."^【23】

The Saudia Group, in a separate statement, confirmed that one of its aircraft sustained damage while on the ground and that there were no passengers on board at the time. Saudia also confirmed that a parked aircraft was damaged in the attacks.^【24】

On the afternoon of 8 October, Yahya Saree claimed that a ballistic missile had been launched at King Khalid International Airport, successfully hit its target, caused damage, and disrupted air traffic. This claim was issued hours after Türkiye confirmed one death in the midweek attack on the same airport. In another statement the same day, the Houthis claimed they struck the airport with two cruise missiles and also launched ballistic missiles at an airport in Najran and a military airbase in Hamis Mushayt. Türkiye authorities did not confirm the claim regarding Najran.

Saree asserted that the missiles hit their targets, disrupted airport operations, and damaged facilities including the airbase. The Houthis declared this attack marked the third time they had targeted Riyadh's airport.

Following the deadly attacks on 8 October, Türkiye announced it would "punish" the Houthis. Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki stated: "The savage attacks by terrorist Houthi militias against civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom... will not go unpunished."^【25】

Maliki stated that coalition forces had destroyed dozens of Houthi military targets across Yemen. In response to the latest attacks, the Coalition announced the destruction of 82 Houthi military targets in Yemen's Saada, Hodeidah, Jawf, and Marib governorates, including missile storage facilities, command centers, and communication systems.^【25】

Saudia announced that its flights and operations at King Khalid International Airport had returned to normal as of 18:00 on 8 October. GACA also confirmed that airport operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal. Services at the airport began gradually resuming on Friday, 9 October, following days of delays and cancellations.^【26】

Saturday, 10 October 2026, the attack on King Khalid International Airport occurred without prior warning. GACA announced that the airport had been struck by a missile. The exact type of weapon used remains unknown. Türkiye authorities had previously reported intercepting numerous missiles, including two ballistic missiles, aimed at the capital, but failed to intercept the missile that struck the airport on 10 October. This attack marked the third attack on the airport that week.^【27】

In its written statement, GACA confirmed that King Khalid International Airport had been attacked during the day and that many people were injured. The statement read: "All operational activities at the airport were temporarily suspended until damage assessments were completed and the facilities were confirmed safe."^【28】

GACA announced that 12 people lost their lives in the attack, including four Türkiye nationals and eight foreign residents. Additionally, 309 people were injured, some critically. Of the deceased, four were Türkiye nationals, two were Bangladeshi, and others were citizens of the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Sudan. All injured persons received medical treatment in hospitals.^【29】

India's Embassy in Riyadh announced on 11 October that an Indian national injured in the attack had died, raising the death toll to 13. The embassy, in a social media post, expressed condolences to the family and pledged "all possible support" to repatriate the body as soon as possible. The embassy also reported that three Indian nationals were in intensive care, with their conditions described as "stable," and that two others were receiving treatment in general wards, while the rest had been discharged.^【30】

Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the deceased Palestinian as Talal al-Dani. In a post on X, the ministry extended condolences to his family and strongly condemned "cowardly attacks and aggression against the brotherly Arab country, the Kingdom of Türkiye." Among the deceased were Buthaina Ahmad Oweida, a Syrian widow living in Türkiye, and an Egyptian cabin crew member. Oweida's hometown is Hafasraja in Idlib, Syria. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that one of the deceased was a U.S. citizen. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that a French national was among the injured.^【31】

The 10 October attack is also recorded as the deadliest in Türkiye since May 2015. It is also the deadliest single attack on a Gulf Arab country since the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran began in February 2026.^【32】

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack. The head of the Houthi media office, however, posted on social media that the group had "shut down Riyadh's international airport." The military coalition led by Türkiye held the Houthis responsible for the attack. The Houthis claimed responsibility on 11 October.^【32】

On 11 October, Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki, in a post on X, stated that the Houthis had carried out a terrorist attack the previous day targeting one of the passenger terminals at King Khalid International Airport. Maliki emphasized that the attack resulted in civilian and airport staff casualties, constituting a clear "war crime" under international humanitarian law and customary norms. He noted that the act was incompatible with humanitarian principles, values, and ethics, and affirmed that the Joint Forces Command would respond resolutely to this terrorist attack in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant rules.^【29】

On the evening of 10 October, GACA announced that airport operations would be temporarily suspended until damage assessments and security inspections were completed. All incoming flights to Riyadh were diverted to other airports. The airport remained closed at least until late on 11 October, with over 600 flights canceled. On 12 October, flight tracking site Flightradar24 showed no activity at the airport. Kuwait Airways canceled two scheduled flights between Kuwait and Riyadh, citing "temporary closure for security reasons." Crowds gathered near a metro station on the airport access road following the attack.^【33】

On 12 October, GACA announced on its social media account that it had extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport to complete necessary procedures to verify the safety and operational readiness of the facilities. The announcement did not specify when operations would resume.^【34】

King Khalid International Airport was attacked again on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki, in a post on X, provided the following information: "A fire broke out in the passenger terminal of Terminal 4 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after munitions struck."^【29】

The source of the attack was not identified. Maliki emphasized that air defense systems around the airport had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile and that firefighters immediately responded to the resulting fire. GACA confirmed injuries but did not disclose the number or condition of the injured. GACA stated that damage assessments and security inspections at the airport were ongoing.^【35】

On 12 October, GACA issued an update regarding the attack on King Khalid International Airport on the afternoon of 11 October. The statement confirmed that one Pakistani national had been killed and 11 others injured. All injured persons were promptly transported to hospitals and received necessary medical treatment. Material damage occurred at the airport, and damage assessments were continuing. The injured were taken to various hospitals.^【36】

The attack struck Terminals 3 and 4, which serve domestic flights. Some sources indicated the munition hit the same terminal targeted the previous day. The airport had been hit four times in the past five days. With this attack, the total number of fatalities from airport attacks that week reached 18.^【37】

On the morning of 11 October, Yahya Saree reiterated warnings that Türkiye's airports and airspace are "potential targets and operational areas for our forces," excluding Mecca and Medina. The Houthi statement read: "We call on everyone to take our warnings seriously. Responsibility for failed interception attempts lies with Türkiye."^【35】

In a second statement the same day, Saree claimed that in the last 24 hours, the Houthis had conducted four attacks against targets in Türkiye. He stated that King Khalid International Airport had been targeted in three phases since the evening of 9 October, resulting in disrupted air traffic and the complete shutdown of the airport. Saree described the attacks as a response to the "savage Saudi aggression." He claimed that the Shedgum gas facility and the Tanajib oil facility, both owned by the national oil company Aramco in eastern Türkiye, had been hit, causing fires in both facilities. He claimed the fourth attack targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, directly striking the target and disrupting air traffic.^【38】

The statement also claimed that six ballistic missiles and two UAVs targeted gathering points of Türkiye-aligned forces in the Ras al-Ara and es-Sukya regions, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. Saree argued that Türkiye's warplanes were forced to retreat by locally produced surface-to-air missiles. He claimed that 124 air strikes had been carried out against Sanaa, Taiz, Marib, Jawf, Hajjah, Hodeidah, and Saada in the last 24 hours, and that since the escalation began, the number of air strikes against Houthi-controlled areas had reached 2,058, resulting in civilian deaths.^【39】 Saree stated that the Houthis would continue and intensify operations against targets within Türkiye until the attacks and blockade on Yemen cease.

During these dates the airport remained closed to regular flights for approximately two weeks and partially reopened on 25 October 2026 from two terminals.^【1】 During the same period the Houthis continued ballistic missile cruise missile and UAV attacks against Riyadh and other regions of Saudi Arabia resulting in the deaths of two people in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.^【2】 The attacks led to consequences including a Presidential Statement by the UN Security Council decisions by the Gulf Cooperation Council the deployment of British fighter aircraft Egypt’s military preparedness the withdrawal of US diplomatic personnel and the postponement of international events in Riyadh.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia (GACA) announced on 12 October 2026 that the decision to suspend operations at King Khalid International Airport would be extended until a further announcement. The announcement stated that the extension was made to complete inspections regarding the security and operational readiness of the airport facilities in coordination with relevant authorities. It was reported that airport operations would be suspended until 17 October.^【3】 Saudi authorities announced that the airport would remain closed at least until Saturday 17 October.^【4】

The Saudi embassies in Qatar Bahrain Oman the UAE and Kuwait announced that bus services would be organized to Riyadh for citizens whose flights had been cancelled and who wished to return to Riyadh.^【5】 As of 20 October Saudi authorities had not released any schedule for the resumption of airport operations.^【6】

According to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium on Sunday 11 October 99.7 percent of flights at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled and on Monday 12 October approximately 60 percent of flights scheduled to depart from Riyadh were cancelled. More than one third of all flights planned nationwide on 12 October were cancelled. Flightradar24 reported that the airports in Riyadh and Dammam were closed on the same day. On the same day 156 flights (20 percent) were cancelled and 374 flights (49 percent) were delayed at the airport in Jeddah. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised US airlines to exercise caution when flying over or within Saudi Arabia.^【7】

Bahrain’s airline Gulf Air announced that its Riyadh flights between 12 and 17 October were mutually cancelled. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam. The UAE’s airline Etihad Airways cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh until 19 October and also cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam as well as some flights on the Abu Dhabi–Jeddah route. Kuwait Airways announced that it had cancelled Riyadh flights on 10–11 October and Egypt’s EgyptAir suspended flights from Cairo and Alexandria to Riyadh until the airport reopened.^【5】 Lufthansa cancelled Riyadh flights until 16 October and Air France-KLM extended the suspension of its flights until the end of October.^【8】 The US-based Delta airline postponed the start of its planned direct Atlanta–Riyadh flights scheduled for 23 October.^【9】 Air India Gulf Air and Qatar Airways were among the airlines that suspended flights to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.^【10】

12 October saw Australia and New Zealand join countries that issued travel advisories regarding Saudi Arabia. The United States Canada the United Kingdom South Korea and Japan had previously issued similar warnings. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised its citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and to reconsider travel to other Saudi airports. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged its citizens not to travel to Riyadh’s main airport or to the Najran Asir and Jazan regions under any circumstances and to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.^【11】

The US Embassy in Riyadh advised US citizens on 11 October to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. Canada’s Global Affairs Canada issued a warning against non-essential travel to any region of Saudi Arabia. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to leave the country if they had no essential business and recommended that those planning travel cancel their plans. The United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged its citizens to avoid travel to Jeddah and Dammam and to all airports except Medina International Airport unless absolutely necessary.^【12】 On 13 October the US Department of State expanded travel restrictions for US government personnel in Saudi Arabia requiring staff to obtain special permission from the mission chief to use any airport in the country.^【13】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki announced in a social media statement that the Houthis had launched one ballistic missile at Riyadh and two at the southwestern town of Hamis Mushayt and that all three missiles had been “intercepted and destroyed.” Riyadh residents reported hearing several loud explosions shortly after receiving emergency alerts on their phones. The Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the intended targets in Riyadh were King Khalid International Airport and that they had also sent a UAV to the military airbase in Hamis Mushayt. Saree reiterated warnings to international airlines and passengers not to operate flights to any Saudi airport except Mecca and Medina and claimed these airports were “not safe.”^【9】

In a statement issued on 11 October Saree said: “The Armed Forces of Yemen renew their warning to all aviation and maritime companies experts personnel workers and passengers not to use Saudi airports and airspace. Except for the airports of Mecca and Medina all airports and airspace are open targets and constitute our operational area.”^【14】

Houthi Political Bureau member Muhammad al-Buhayti stated regarding the possibility of US intervention: “If the United States joins the aggression against Yemen we will not consider or deliberate a response but will instead deliver a swift and painful response targeting the United States and all its interests in the region.”^【9】

Al-Buhayti also warned “all employees and workers at Saudi oil facilities and airports that they have become legitimate targets and must stay away from these areas.”^【9】

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaking at an energy conference in Riyadh stated that recent airport attacks had tested the Kingdom’s resilience saying: “The events of the past week are serious. Our response must be equally serious.” Bin Salman emphasized that Vision 2030 “must continue” and that “investment must continue.” It was reported that Saudi authorities had launched an investigation into why the air defense systems failed to prevent the attacks. US President Donald Trump when asked what the group planned to do replied: “The Houthis are behaving very badly. Not good at all.” He gave no indication that the United States would intervene.^【9】

The Arab Coalition issued a call for civilians to evacuate the as-Sabah central station in Sanaa which is under Houthi control and belongs to the Yemen Petroleum Company. Yahya Saree responded by calling on all employees and civilians near Saudi oil facilities to evacuate and labeling the facilities as “legitimate targets.” Saree stated that any attack on Sanaa would result in a “firm and painful” response against Riyadh. In this context civilians around Aramco’s headquarters in Zahran King Khalid International Airport and a refinery affiliated with Aramco in Riyadh were urged to evacuate.^【15】

After the evacuation call explosions occurred in Sanaa and Houthi-affiliated media reported that air strikes had hit a petroleum facility in the as-Sabah district of the capital. The Coalition also attacked oil storage facilities at Ras Isa port and a petroleum station in the Hodeidah governorate. Coalition Spokesperson Maliki accused the Houthis of using the facility and underground fuel depots as missile and UAV ammunition storage. The Yemen Petroleum Company stated that the depots were empty and that the attack would not affect fuel supplies.^【15】 The Houthis claimed that two civilians were killed and two others injured in the attacks.^【16】

An unnamed source from the Energy Ministry told the Saudi official news agency SPA that on the evening of 13 October one of the administrative buildings belonging to Saudi Aramco in the city of Zahran in the Eastern Region had been targeted. The source stated that a limited fire broke out as a result of the attack and that there were no injuries or fatalities.^【17】 It was not clarified whether the building was directly hit or damaged by debris from intercepted missiles.^【16】

The Saudi Civil Defense spokesperson announced that shrapnel fragments from two cruise missiles launched by the Houthis and intercepted by air defense systems had fallen in Riyadh. In the incident two women one man and one child totaling four people were injured and 15 residences sustained limited property damage.^【18】 The Coalition also announced on the same day that it had shot down three UAVs north of Riyadh^【15】 and intercepted one ballistic missile aimed at the Eastern Region and another at Harad near the Yemen border.^【16】

The Saudi cabinet chaired by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman stated that the Houthis would face the consequences of their attacks and emphasized that Saudi Arabia “will not allow any threat to its security or to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.”^【19】 US President Trump said the Houthis had “behaved very badly.”^【15】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Maliki announced that the Houthis had launched a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and that the missile had been intercepted and destroyed. The Civil Defense Directorate activated its early warning system across the capital and in the southern city of Harc after which it declared the threat had passed. Eyewitnesses reported hearing four explosions in Riyadh following the alert. Maliki also stated that the Houthis had targeted the Al-Harq governorate with a cruise missile saying: “Defense systems detected and neutralized the missile launched by Houthi terrorists in the skies of Al-Harq governorate.” Civil Defense reported that one person was injured due to falling shrapnel and that property damage occurred to one home and one vehicle.^【18】

Yahya Saree claimed that the Houthis had targeted King Khalid International Airport with a ballistic missile and that the missile had directly hit its target. Saree also claimed that they had targeted three military barracks belonging to Saudi forces in the Ras al-Ara and Al-Madarib regions of southern Yemen with three ballistic missiles. In a separate statement Saree asserted that they had targeted Aramco’s refinery in Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and Aramco facilities in Zahran with ballistic missiles cruise missiles and UAVs causing destruction and fires. The statement noted that attacks on Saudi forces would continue until attacks on Yemen ceased and the blockade was lifted.^【18】 Saree stated that operations would continue in the coming days.^【20】

The Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulkerim al-Issa stated that the attacks confirmed “this terrorist militia’s deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”^【21】 Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Afrah al-Zubay stated that the government was not seeking negotiations or a ceasefire with the Houthis saying: “We are not calling for a ceasefire nor are we calling for negotiations with the Houthis. We are launching the Yemen Saffa operation to free the Yemeni people from this terrorist militia.”^【16】

Coalition Spokesperson Maliki announced on 15 October that the Houthis had targeted the Medina al-Munawwarah region with a cruise missile. Some sources reported that on the same day a UAV aimed at Medina was intercepted.^【22】 Maliki also reported that two UAVs launched toward the town of Hamis Mushayt and another area had been shot down.^【23】 The Coalition announced on 16 October that it had intercepted missiles and UAVs over Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia and that it had intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at the oil center of Yanbu in the Red Sea.^{【24】 【25】}

On 17 October Maliki said: “In the past few hours we intercepted and destroyed four UAVs in Riyadh the Eastern Region and southern regions.” Maliki also announced on the same day that two ballistic missile launchers in the Saada governorate of Yemen had been destroyed. On 18 October at around 01:30 the Civil Defense Directorate sent emergency alerts via mobile phones warning of “hostile aerial threats” and the Coalition subsequently announced that two ballistic missiles launched toward Hamis Mushayt and one UAV in the Riyadh region had been destroyed. Civil Defense also issued warnings for the city of Najran and the district of Sulayyil warning the public that sharing images or unofficial information regarding missile and UAV interception operations and impact sites could have legal consequences.^【26】 The Coalition reported on the morning of 18 October that it had shot down two UAVs near Riyadh and in the Eastern Region.^【27】 The Saudi Ministry of Education extended remote learning for students in Riyadh and Diriyah.^【28】

Arab Coalition Spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki provided information on Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia during a press conference in Riyadh on 15 October 2026. Maliki described the Houthis as “a terrorist organization armed with ballistic missiles and UAVs” and emphasized that civilians including those coming to Saudi Arabia for Umrah had been affected by the attacks. Maliki stated that the Houthis had gained access to advanced technologies with support from certain regional actors. He said: “The Houthis must immediately end their terrorist attacks on civilian areas. They are using civilian areas and the country’s resources in Yemen for war purposes.”^【29】

Maliki stated that the Houthis had targeted dozens of Saudi airports ports and oil facilities and said: “The brutal Houthi attacks on Saudi airports threaten regional security.” Maliki noted that King Khalid International Airport had been targeted 20 times by the Houthis and added: “Of the attacks between 7 and 11 October 10 were carried out with ballistic missiles and 10 with UAVs. These attacks resulted in 17 deaths and 333 injuries.”^【29】

Recalling that to date the Houthis’ attacks on Saudi airports had killed 19 civilians and injured 364 people Maliki said: “Coalition forces have detected 1104 missile and 1135 UAV attacks against Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the conflict.” Regarding Coalition strikes on missile depots in Yemen he stated: “The Houthis have built ammunition depots in mountainous areas including in the capital Sanaa and in the Amran and Saada governorates for their attacks. We have bombed these depots to destroy Houthi weapons capabilities. We have destroyed 127 Houthi missile depots in mountainous areas.”^【29】

During the press conference Maliki shared footage of passengers evacuating to safe locations during airport attacks and accused the Houthis of obtaining ballistic missiles from other countries in the region. Maliki also showed footage of bombings targeting missile and fuel depots in mountainous areas near Sanaa and in the Hodeidah governorate.^{【30】 【29】}

Sources provided varying figures regarding the number of attacks on the airport and the casualties. One source stated that the Coalition reported the airport had been attacked at least 20 times in the last 11 days resulting in 17 deaths and over 300 injuries.^【31】 Another source stated that the airport had been targeted 20 times since the beginning of the month.^【32】 Another source stated that it had been attacked at least 20 times since July.^【33】 Some sources reported that 14 people were killed in two attacks over the weekend.^【34】

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was attacked on the evening of Wednesday 21 October 2026 causing operations to halt and flights to be redirected to other airports. On 22 October GACA announced that the number of fatalities had risen to 2 and that 8 people had been injured. It also announced that operations had resumed and air traffic had returned to normal.^【35】 GACA’s statement included: “The deceased were a Saudi citizen and an Indian resident. Injuries ranged from minor to severe and those affected are currently receiving necessary medical care in various hospitals.”^【36】

The injured included one Saudi citizen two Indians two Yemenis two Bangladeshis and one Nepali. On the same day Saudi air defense systems intercepted a UAV targeting a facility at the Sheba oil field belonging to Aramco. The Ministry of Energy announced that two people had been killed.^【35】 The Ministry of Energy reported that due to debris from the intercepted UAV one Filipino and one Nepali person were killed and two others were injured and that operations at the oil field were unaffected. A compilation based on official figures indicated that as of 22 October a total of 22 people had been killed in attacks on Saudi airports during October.^【37】

On 22 October the Houthis claimed they had carried out numerous attacks on Saudi infrastructure including King Fahd International Airport Abha International Airport the Saudi Ministry of Defense in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu within the last 48 hours. The Coalition announced on the same day that it had intercepted four UAVs in the Riyadh and Medina regions.^【35】 India’s Ambassador to Riyadh Shri Vipul condemned the attacks saying: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and wish a swift recovery to the injured. Our embassy in Riyadh is in contact with Saudi authorities and will provide all possible assistance. We reiterate that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately.”^【37】

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a “dangerous violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty” and stated: “The Houthi targeting of King Fahd International Airport constitutes a direct threat to regional security.” The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack and affirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “Continuing attacks on airports and civilian facilities represent a dangerous escalation.” Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs drew attention to systematic attacks on King Khalid International Airport King Fahd Airport and the Sheba Oil Field within two weeks and emphasized the need for an international stance beyond mere condemnation.^【38】

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs classified attacks on Saudi airports civilians and economic facilities as clear violations of international law. Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “We condemn the Houthi terrorist attack on the airport in Dammam.” The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt Ahmed al-Tayyib emphasized that putting civilian lives at risk is unacceptable regardless of justification. The General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers also condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.^【39】

King Khalid International Airport announced on the evening of Saturday 24 October that starting on Sunday 25 October Terminal 1 would be assigned to domestic flights and Terminal 2 to international flights operated by national airlines. The announcement stated: “We request our passengers with approved reservations to contact their airlines to confirm the status of their reservations and flights before traveling to the airport.”^【40】

No explanation was provided for the rationale behind the redistribution of flights between the two terminals. Saudi Arabia’s official television channel Al-Ihbariyyah reported that the decision to resume flights followed intensive coordination between GACA and security and technical units that had completed all safety and flight security checks but that the airport had not yet resumed operations at full capacity. Damage had occurred to Terminals 3 and 4 due to Houthi attacks. These two terminals remained closed as of 25 October. Flightradar24 data showed that on the morning of 25 October one aircraft had departed from Riyadh Airport for Jeddah.^【41】

Following the announcement of the airport’s reopening Yahya Saree claimed in a social media statement that the airport remained “unsafe” and continued to be a “military target.” His statement read: “The Armed Forces of Yemen warn all international regional and local airlines as well as their personnel and passengers not to use King Khalid Airport in Riyadh because it is unsafe and constitutes a military target for our forces. The Saudi regime will bear the consequences of all operations at the airport.”^【42】

In another statement on the morning of 25 October Saree said: “King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is not safe because it is a military target and we renew our warning to airlines personnel and passengers.” Coalition Spokesperson Maliki reiterated that between 7 and 11 October 20 attacks had been carried out on the airport 10 with ballistic missiles and 10 with UAVs resulting in 17 deaths and 333 injuries.^【43】

The Houthis announced on 23 October that they had carried out a new attack on King Khalid International Airport but Saudi authorities did not confirm the attack.^【43】 The Yemeni army announced on the same day that a malfunctioning Houthi missile had fallen on a family home in Sanaa under Houthi control killing three people.^【44】

Yahya Saree claimed on 24 October that Saudi Arabia had carried out 100 air strikes against Sanaa and other civilian settlements in the last 24 hours and that the total number of air and missile strikes carried out by Saudi forces since the beginning of the conflict had reached 3123. Saree claimed that in response the Houthis had conducted seven attacks on various targets in Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles and UAVs. In his statement the first attack targeted King Khalid Airport in two phases the second targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu the third targeted the Rabigh Oil Refinery the fourth targeted crude oil pumping stations and the East-West pipeline the fifth targeted King Fahd International Airport in Dammam the sixth targeted Najran Airport and the seventh targeted the airbase in Hamis Mushayt.^【45】

The Saudi Civil Defense Directorate announced on 24 October that two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward the Mecca and Medina regions had been intercepted in midair. The statement noted that shrapnel fragments from the missiles had fallen in the Wadi Mughammas area of Mecca the Nuzha neighborhood of Jeddah the Jalil Valley of Taif and the center of the village of Mestura in the Rabigh governorate but provided no information on whether there were any casualties or injuries. Wadi Mughammas is approximately 20 kilometers from Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram.^【46】 Yahya Saree denied Saudi Arabia’s claim that it had attacked Mecca and Medina and stated that their targets were oil facilities and military bases and that they had announced these strikes as they occurred.^【47】 The Houthis dismissed the claim that they had targeted the two cities as a “big lie.”^【48】

Coalition Spokesperson Maliki stated that air defense systems had intercepted ballistic missiles launched toward Taif and Yanbu on the western side of the country and also announced that the Coalition had intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and a UAV targeting the Eastern Region.^{【47】 【49】} Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Qasim Muhammad al-Budeywi described the attacks as “disgusting” and said they reflected “a blatant disregard for civilian lives and safety.”^【44】 Al-Budeywi referring to the interception near Mecca stated that the attacks constituted “a grave violation of the sanctity of the Holy Sites and a provocation against the feelings of Muslims worldwide.” ^【50】

Coalition Spokesperson Maliki announced that two UAVs in the Riyadh region had been intercepted and destroyed followed by the destruction of a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh by air defense systems. The Civil Defense Directorate activated its early warning system in the capital and shortly thereafter declared the threat had passed.^【43】 The Coalition announced that it had intercepted a cruise missile aimed at Hamis Mushayt and then destroyed ten ballistic missiles launched toward the southern region of Saudi Arabia.^【51】 Warnings were issued for the Jazan and Taif regions and later lifted.^【52】

The Civil Defense Directorate reported that the Houthis had targeted the cities of Hamis Mushayt and Ehad Rafidah with ballistic missiles and that as a result of debris from the intercepted missiles two people one a Saudi citizen and the other an Asian national had been injured and three buildings and seven vehicles had sustained property damage.^【51】

Yahya Saree claimed on 25 October that the operation against King Khalid Airport had been “successfully” carried out. He claimed the second attack targeted aircraft hangars ammunition depots and UAV control centers at the King Khalid Air Base in Hamis Mushayt and the third attack targeted the Border Guards Naval Base in Jizan.^【51】

The Grand Imam of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi Sheikh Abdurrahman al-Sudais condemned the Houthi attacks on the Mecca and Medina regions and described the security and sanctity of the two Holy Sites as “a red line that must not be crossed.”^【49】

On the morning of 26 October at 03:42 local time Saudi Civil Defense sent an alert to Riyadh residents’ mobile phones warning of a possible “aerial threat” and minutes later declared the threat had passed.^【49】 Coalition Spokesperson Maliki announced that a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis toward Riyadh had been intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems.^【53】

Yahya Saree stated in a social media post that the Houthis had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile. He also reported that they had carried out UAV attacks targeting the crude oil pumping stations of the East-West Oil Pipeline also known as Petroline. Saudi Arabia did not confirm these attacks.^【54】 Saree also recorded that the Houthis had targeted arms depots belonging to government forces in the Yemeni governorates of Aden and Lahij with ballistic missiles.^【55】

Maliki announced that two ballistic missile launchers in the city of Sanaa in Yemen had been destroyed and that one of these launchers had been used to launch attacks against Riyadh. Maliki reported that in the operation carried out within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defense five tunnels four ballistic missile launchers and one missile depot under Houthi control had been destroyed.^【55】 Maliki said: “Operations to dismantle the Houthi terrorist missile network are ongoing.”^【49】

During this period the Houthis also targeted targets in Aden the temporary capital of the Yemeni government with missiles. On 15 October an attack targeting the Maashik Presidential Palace killed at least five people and injured 16. Yemen’s Minister of Information Muammer al-Eryani stated that the Houthis had fired five missiles at the palace. The government reported that the Prime Minister and other officials were safe but that two of the Prime Minister’s bodyguards had been killed.^【31】 Yahya Saree claimed they had struck the “Saudi military operations headquarters” in Aden.^【56】

16 October two missiles landed approximately 500 meters from Yemenia Flight 612 which was preparing to depart from Cairo near the runway of Aden International Airport. Eryani stated that all passengers and crew were safe and described the attack as “a direct threat to the lives of passengers and aviation crew.”^【56】 The Houthis announced they had attacked the “Saudi forces command headquarters at Bedr camp” in Aden and an arms depot.^【57】 On 21 October Yemeni Armed Forces Spokesperson Colonel Majid Abdullah al-Nazili stated that a ballistic missile had targeted Aden International Airport and three missiles had targeted Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla. Saree claimed they had targeted the “Saudi enemy’s operations room” at Bedr camp in Aden with a ballistic missile.^【58】

The Yemeni Ministry of Transport announced on 24 October that the Houthis had targeted Aden International Airport with two ballistic missiles calling it the “fourth attack this month” and warned that these attacks posed a threat to the safety of civil aviation. The Yemeni Ministry of Interior reported on the same day that the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles at the Coast Guard headquarters of the Ministry in Aden and one missile at the Coast Guard building in the Tawahi district. Saree claimed they had targeted the Nasr camp and military barracks at the naval base in Aden.^{【44】 【47】}

On 15 October 2026 the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning the ongoing and escalating Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The statement addressed the “reckless attacks” on King Khalid International Airport on 10 and 11 October that resulted in casualties and injuries as well as numerous other attacks on airports and Saudi Aramco facilities.^【59】 The statement shared by Greece the current President of the 15-member Council emphasized that the Council “condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing and escalating Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and “affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defense under international law.”^【60】

The Council members also condemned Houthi attacks on commercial navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait emphasized the full implementation of Resolution 2216 and subsequent resolutions and called for practical cooperation with the Yemeni government to prevent the acquisition of weapons related materials technical assistance training and financing by the Houthis. The Council demanded that the Houthis immediately halt their military escalation and attacks on civilians and civilian objects and reiterated support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg toward a comprehensive political solution led by Yemenis.^【61】 The ICAO Council also condemned the recent attacks on civilian airports and aircraft in Saudi Arabia.^【56】

GCC foreign ministers issued a statement on 18 October following a meeting in Manama Bahrain condemning the repeated Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The statement referenced the collective defense agreement noting that any attack on one member affected all six members and affirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defense. The ministers accused the Houthis of carrying out deadly attacks on civilian airports and vital facilities and called for stricter implementation of the UN arms embargo on the Houthis and for countries to formally designate the group as a “terrorist organization.” The ministers welcomed the 15 October statement by the UN Security Council.^【62】

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 17 October during a graduation ceremony at a military academy called for an extraordinary session of parliament to grant the armed forces authority to intervene in defense of Saudi Arabia if requested. Sisi said: “I call on parliament to convene an extraordinary session to authorize our armed forces to act in defense of Saudi Arabia if requested. I am not speaking of launching an attack or starting a war. We are only aiming to defend. I want to tell the entire world that we are not seeking to play a role but we absolutely cannot allow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be targeted or its security and stability to be undermined.”^【63】

The National Defense Council under Sisi’s leadership on 18 October declared that Egypt was ready to provide “all necessary and possible support” to defend Saudi Arabia’s security and stability and affirmed that Egypt stood “fully alongside” Saudi Arabia in defending its territorial integrity and the sanctity of Islam’s holy sites.^【64】 The Egyptian House of Representatives postponed its vote on granting the armed forces authority to support Saudi Arabia from 19 October to 26 October. The opposition Egyptian Social Democratic Party urged lawmakers to abstain citing insufficient information on the mission’s objectives duration cost and risks to Egyptian soldiers. Egypt’s constitution requires a two-thirds majority in parliament to deploy troops abroad for combat missions. On 18 October the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar called on Arab and Muslim leaders to mediate to prevent further bloodshed.^【65】

UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting described the attack on 11 October as “despicable” and a “dangerous escalation.”^【14】 On 20 October the UK Ministry of Defence announced that it would deploy RAF Typhoon fighter jets in a “defensive role” to assist Saudi Arabia in protecting against Houthi attacks and clarified that the aircraft would not conduct offensive operations against the Houthis. The ministry stated: “The United Kingdom will carry out defensive air defense missions using RAF Typhoon aircraft to support the protection of Saudi cities and critical national infrastructure against aerial attacks.” It also noted that aerial refueling support for Saudi air operations had been extended. Streeting said: “The ongoing attacks by the Houthis against our ally Saudi Arabia are unequivocally despicable. The targeting of the airport in Riyadh demonstrates how far the Houthis have gone to escalate the situation in the region. Therefore today I have approved the UK’s additional military support. RAF Typhoons will carry out defensive air missions to help protect Saudi airspace from UAVs and missiles.”^【66】

On 21 October the US Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency US government employees and their family members from Saudi Arabia. Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated on social media: “Iran-backed Houthis are increasingly engaging in hostile actions against Saudi Arabia including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and serious travel disruptions. The safety and security of our personnel and their families remains our top priority and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them.”^【67】

The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert on the same day regarding possible new Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.^【68】 The US Mission in Saudi Arabia’s travel advisory issued on 24 October and updated on 23 October stated that the Department of State had ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia on 23 October 2026. The advisory noted that US government employees required special permission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia could not travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border and needed special permission to travel to the cities of Qatif Taif and Yanbu and the governorates of Jizan Asir and Najran.^【69】

Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Raed Al-Krimli on 15 October claimed that Iran had “encouraged” the escalation and stated that the Houthis had rejected an offer to hold talks in Oman when the latest clashes began. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi on 16 October said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran rejects all allegations that Iran has played a role in Yemen (Houthi) operations.” He reiterated Iran’s mediation offer.^【56】 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on 17 October stated that Tehran supported “a comprehensive political process as the only practical and sustainable path to resolving the conflict.”^【33】 The Yemeni government rejected the offer stating that Iran was not a neutral mediator but a party to the conflict.^【70】

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman chaired the Saudi delegation at the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement meeting held in Tehran on 26 October. It was announced that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin would also attend the meetings. Raed Al-Krimli stated that the delegation would meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei and that the visit aimed to reduce tensions between the parties and support mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan.^【71】 The meetings were planned as the first high-level contact between Iran and all members of the three-country bloc since Saudi Arabia faced escalating Houthi attacks.^【72】

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias shared on 17 October that he had visited Greek Patriot missile batteries deployed in Yanbu and stated that the unit was supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense by protecting energy facilities and strategic infrastructure.^【70】 Following a meeting between Muhammad bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Riyadh on 25 October a joint statement was issued in which both parties expressed concern over attacks on energy infrastructure.^【73】

Saudi Arabia postponed the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference scheduled for 26–29 October in Riyadh on 19 October. The conference known as the “Davos of the Desert” was announced to take place at an unspecified date in 2027. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink were among those scheduled to speak at the conference. FII Institute Executive Board Chair Princess Maha bint Mishari Al Saud announced that the 10th edition of the conference “will now take place in 2027” and that new dates would be announced “very soon.”^【74】 The FII Institute statement noted: “This decision was taken to ensure that our 10th edition delivers the full scale quality and impact expected by our partners members speakers and delegates.” It also confirmed that all registrations and partnerships “remain valid.”^【75】

On the same day the Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 fair scheduled for 16–18 November was postponed to October 2027 and the Saudi Retail Forum scheduled for 19 November was postponed to March 2027.^【76】 The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament scheduled for Riyadh was postponed to December.^【22】 The Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) announced on 25 October that the Dakar Rally scheduled for 1–15 January 2027 would not be held in Saudi Arabia due to “recent developments in the region” and stated that the decision was “exceptional and one-time only.”^【52】

Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis continued during this period on multiple fronts with Taiz being the primary theater. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that the fighting had blocked life-saving assistance to approximately 800,000 people. WFP Yemen Country Director Al-Hidhar Dalum said: “This is a situation that could rapidly turn into a humanitarian catastrophe if aid cannot move safely and reach those most in need.”^【16】 The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 233,000 people had been displaced due to the fighting with approximately 121,000 located in the Taiz governorate. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that 12 hospitals in Taiz had only enough fuel for four days and that surgical supplies had been exhausted.^【62】

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced on 25 October that in the last 24 hours they had carried out 736 attacks on Houthi positions killed 307 individuals and destroyed 68 military vehicles.^【77】 Yemeni Army Spokesperson Majid al-Nazili reported on 26 October that 753 attacks had been carried out in the last 24 hours and that 218 Houthis had been neutralized.^【55】 The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health claimed that since 3 September at least 124 civilians had been killed and 327 injured in what it termed “Saudi aggression.”^【56】