Egypt condemns Riyadh airport attack as ‘flagrant violation of international law’

• Egypt condemns the Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, describing them as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
• Three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, were killed in Thursday’s attacks.

Egypt has strongly condemned Houthi attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, describing them as a “flagrant violation of international law” and expressing full solidarity with the kingdom.

In a statement posted on X, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said Cairo rejected the attacks and supported Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its security, sovereignty and citizens.

“Egypt stresses its total rejection of these attacks as a flagrant violation of international law, and its full solidarity with the kingdom in all measures it takes to preserve its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens,” the ministry said.

It added that targeting air navigation threatens international security and stability, warning of the wider implications of attacks on civilian aviation infrastructure.

The Egyptian condemnation followed Thursday’s attacks on King Khalid International Airport, which killed three Saudi citizens, including an airline pilot, according to reports.

Saudia Airlines identified the pilot killed in the incident as Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami. The airline also confirmed that one of its aircraft sustained damage while on the ground at the airport.

Several other people were reportedly injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Emergency response teams and relevant authorities responded to the incident, and those injured were transported to hospitals for treatment.

The airport subsequently resumed operations, with Saudi authorities reporting that air traffic had returned to normal.

The attacks come amid renewed escalation involving Yemen’s Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for Thursday’s strikes, saying they had targeted King Khalid International Airport with cruise missiles. The group also reported attacks on other Saudi military and aviation targets.

The escalation has raised concerns about the security of civilian infrastructure and the potential impact on regional air travel.

Saudi Arabia has faced a series of attacks targeting airports in recent days. Earlier strikes on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport also resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, according to Saudi authorities.

Egypt’s condemnation adds to regional reactions to the attacks, with Cairo reiterating its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian aviation.

The latest developments underscore growing concerns over the spillover of Yemen’s conflict into neighboring countries and the risks posed to civilian facilities and regional stability.