Houthi Missile Strikes on Saudi Arabia Kill Three, Widen Regional Tensions

Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia have intensified, killing three Saudi nationals in strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility and warned Pakistan and Turkey against military intervention. The Saudi civil aviation authority confirmed two attacks hit the airport, with a second strike damaging a Saudia Airlines commercial aircraft. A pilot was killed, and several others were injured. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said two cruise missiles targeted Riyadh, with additional strikes on Najran airport and Khamis Mushait airbase. The Houthis said the attacks respond to Saudi support for Yemeni government forces amid renewed fighting since July. The group also warned against the Mecca Defense Pact, a trilateral security agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey in August 2026, which is moving toward practical implementation.