A Pakistani man was hurt when Houthi forces attacked two airports in Saudi Arabia this week. Three people died and 36 were injured in total. Here is what happened, explained in simple words.
What Happened
On October 6 and 7, 2026, two airports in Saudi Arabia were attacked. Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority (GACA) confirmed the attacks and shared the number of people hurt or killed:
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh: One person died (a Sudanese resident), and 8 people were hurt.
- Abha International Airport: Two people died, and 28 people were hurt.
The people hurt were from different countries — Saudi citizens, and residents from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, and Pakistan. The Pakistani national was hurt at the Riyadh airport. All the injured people were taken to hospital. Some of the injuries were minor, others were more serious.
Who Attacked the Airports
The Houthis, an armed group from Yemen, said they attacked King Khalid airport using a ballistic missile and drones. Saudi Arabia has not yet fully confirmed every detail of this claim. On the same days, the Houthis also attacked an airport in Aden, Yemen, using missiles and drones.
How Saudi Arabia Responded
The Saudi-led coalition said it stopped and destroyed a Houthi missile before it could cause more damage near Riyadh. In response, the coalition said it hit more than 80 Houthi military locations in different parts of Yemen. Saudi Arabia said the attacks on its airports would not go “unpunished.”
Why This Fighting Is Happening
This attack is part of a bigger fight between the Houthis and Yemen’s government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. Much of the recent fighting has been near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — an important sea route for ships carrying oil and goods. This route has become even more important lately because another major shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, has had problems due to tension between the US and Iran.
Yemeni government forces, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, have been trying to take back a town called Mocha from the Houthis. The Houthis captured this town in September.
The Human Cost
This conflict has caused serious suffering for ordinary people in Yemen. More than 200,000 people have had to leave their homes because of the recent fighting. The United Nations says that in some parts of Yemen, 3 out of every 4 families don’t have enough food to eat.
Background: Why Saudi Arabia and the Houthis Are Fighting
The Houthis took control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, back in 2014. This led Saudi Arabia to form a coalition of countries to fight against them. Saudi Arabia says Iran provides weapons, training, and money to the Houthis. The Houthis say this isn’t true, and Iran also denies the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was a Pakistani national killed in the attack?
No. The Pakistani national was injured, not killed, in the attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
How many people died in total?
Three people died — one at Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport and two at Abha Airport.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis are an armed group that has controlled large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since 2014. They are currently fighting against Yemen’s government and the Saudi-led coalition that supports it.
Why are these attacks happening now?
Fighting has increased around a key shipping route called the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as Yemeni government forces try to retake territory the Houthis recently captured.
The situation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis remains tense, with both sides continuing attacks. More updates are expected as the conflict develops.
