The Saudi minister announced a serious response to the attacks by Houthi rebels that caused damage to multiple airports, including in Riyadh, resulting in many deaths and injuries due to the assault.
On Monday, 12 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy declared firmly that his country would respond “seriously” to attacks on various airports and oil and natural gas facilities carried out by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, which receives support from Iran.
“The events over the past few weeks have been severe, and our response must be equally serious and decisive,” said Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. “You already know this country is secure, and protecting you is our utmost priority.”
“Energy security is something we cannot overlook or ignore,” Prince Abdulaziz added. “Recent events have tested our infrastructure, institutions, people, and our strong resilience. As Saudis, we are fearless fighters with determination... We will prove to the world that no matter what we face, we will overcome it.”
Saudi Arabia’s reaction followed a series of Houthi drone and missile attacks on Saudi airports and oil and gas facilities throughout the past weekend.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked for two consecutive days. On Saturday, 13 people died, including Americans, Bangladeshis, and Indians, with over 309 injured. On Sunday, one more Pakistani fatality was reported.
King Fahd Airport in Dammam was also targeted, but no deaths were reported, amid reports that the Saudi military intercepted some of the drones and missiles.
The Houthis stated the attacks were retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in areas they control in Yemen, with 124 strikes within 24 hours, supporting the Yemeni government forces’ major military operation launched last week to reclaim territory from the Houthis.
A Houthi military spokesperson warned airlines and passengers to avoid Saudi airports and airspace except for pilgrimage routes to Mecca and Medina, threatening to escalate naval blockades and deeper attacks inside Saudi territory.
The attacks on Saudi airports drew widespread condemnation. The United Nations Secretary-General denounced the assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure as violations of international law.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering joining retaliatory strikes against the Houthis alongside Saudi-led allied forces, noting that the U.S. currently provides intelligence support.
Iran expressed concern over the escalating situation and called for resolving the conflict through negotiations.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc