Three foreign nationals died and 36 other individuals sustained injuries after Houthi missile strikes hit the Bandara Internasional King Khalid in Riyadh and the Bandara Internasional Abha in southwestern Saudi Arabia between October 6 and October 8, 2026, according to official statements from Saudi authorities and reports compiled by Antara.
Missile Impacts and Casualties at Saudi Airports
The strikes resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries ranging from mild to severe, alongside substantial material damage.
Meanwhile, Antara reported figures from Xinhua indicating a total of three dead and 36 injured across the targeted aviation hubs in Riyadh and Abha. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority stated that airport operations resumed and air traffic returned to normal shortly after the incidents.
Dodge and Defense Shrapnel Across Riyadh
In addition to the direct airport hits, the Saudi civil defense agency reported that falling fragments from a intercepted ballistic missile damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in Riyadh. The agency did not specify any casualties resulting from the falling debris in those residential sectors.
Houthi Warnings Issued to Turkey and Pakistan
Amid the escalating military friction, Houthi political bureau member Hizam Al-Asad issued a public warning to Turkey and Pakistan during an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, as noted by CNN Indonesia. Al-Asad urged both governments to refrain from participating in military operations alongside the Saudi-led coalition.
Indonesian Ministry Steps up Protective Measures for Citizens
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stepped up protective measures for Indonesian citizens (WNI) residing in the kingdom. Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry, stated that both the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah maintain continuous communication with local expat communities.
According to Antara, the Ministry confirmed that no Indonesian citizens have been directly harmed by the recent strikes. Meanwhile, monitoring by the Jeddah consulate between October 6 and October 8 showed that over 93 percent of scheduled flights at King Abdulaziz International Airport remained operational. The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh subsequently issued a security notice instructing citizens to stay in secure locations, avoid conflict zones, and limit non-essential travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Saudi-Houthi Escalation
What casualties were officially confirmed by Saudi authorities?
Saudi aviation authorities and international reports confirmed that three individuals died and 36 others sustained injuries as a result of the facility impacts and intercepted missile debris across the capital.
How are diplomatic missions responding to the safety of foreign nationals?
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah, confirmed that no Indonesian nationals were directly affected, while issuing strict advisories urging citizens to avoid high-risk areas.