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Saudi Arabia reports injuries in new attack at Riyadh airport, day after strike kills 13

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Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for a Saturday strike on Riyadh’s international airport that killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, while Saudi authorities reported that people were injured in a new attack on the airport on Sunday, October 11.

Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said an unidentified projectile had targeted Riyadh’s international airport Terminal 4 on Sunday, causing a fire. An unspecified number of people were injured, the Saudi civil aviation authority said, adding it was still assessing the damage.

The coalition forces also said Saudi air defenses had intercepted a cruise missile in the vicinity of King Khalid International Airport. They later added that a drone had been intercepted and destroyed in the country’s Eastern Province.

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Attacks on Saudi airports kill 3 people, as fighting escalates in Yemen


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The strikes have exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi defense capabilities as the kingdom wages an air campaign against the Houthis, who are fighting a ground war in Yemen against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

Footage released by Saudi state television of the Saturday attack on the Riyadh airport showed scores of religious pilgrims lined up at a gate as they prepared to travel to Islam’s two holiest sites. A bright orange flash sent people running in panic, while parts of the roof appeared to cave in.

The airport was closed after the attack.

Houthis claim responsibility

In a televised speech on Sunday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack and said the group had struck the airport in Dammam in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and two facilities of Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco.

The Saudi government’s media office and Aramco did not respond to requests for comment.

The Saudi civil aviation authority confirmed the strike on Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport late on Sunday, adding that “damage assessments and safety inspections of airport facilities are under way.”

An eyewitness aboard a taxiing aircraft at Dammam told Reuters that around 8:30 pm (1730 GMT) on Sunday, they saw a projectile strike the tarmac beside several parked aircraft, causing a fire. The witness said the aircraft returned to the gate. Passengers disembarked and were told to leave.

Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed several delays and cancellations on Sunday for arrivals and departures at Dammam airport, the kingdom’s third-largest.

The Houthis earlier on Sunday had renewed their warning against using Saudi airports. “We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions,” the group said.

Britain’s embassy in Saudi Arabia in a post on X advised British citizens against all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and all airports in the kingdom except the airport in Medina.

US aviation authorities issued a notice to US airlines to use caution while flying to or over the kingdom.

‘Worse is yet to come’

Saudi Arabia has recently stepped up its military involvement in Yemen, launching strikes against the Houthis and backing a government counteroffensive after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month.

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The Houthis said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia carried out 124 air strikes in Yemen in the past 24 hours. “Unless the Saudi enemy stops its aggression and interference in Yemen, worse is yet to come, God willing,” Yemen’s Houthi-run foreign ministry said in statements carried by Al Masirah television.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes on the Houthis in the conflict, a spillover from the wider war with Iran that the US and Israel launched in February.

In a post on Telegram, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said he told his Saudi counterpart that Tehran was ready to help facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Energy conference still going ahead

A five-day conference of international energy organization WPC Energy opened as planned on Sunday at a convention center about 10 km from the Riyadh airport, the Saudi energy ministry said.

A ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum also went ahead, according to a media advisory from the ministry. It was not clear which ministers attended.

Italy’s energy minister, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, whose country was co-hosting, had said on Friday he would participate remotely via video link.

German officials were trying to organize a return flight for economy minister Katherina Reiche. She was supposed to return to Berlin from Riyadh on Monday but the ministry said it appeared likely her flight would be unable to take off.

Separately, Saudi authorities announced that in-person classes at schools in Riyadh would be shifted to remote learning from Sunday until Thursday.

In Saturday’s attack, the third on Riyadh’s airport in a week, the dead included four Saudis while the remainder were foreign nationals, Saudi authorities said. India’s embassy in Riyadh said on Sunday one of its citizens injured in the attack had died, adding to the initial death toll of 12.

Four people were killed in the two previous attacks on the airport earlier in the week. One attack also caused heavy damage to a Saudi commercial plane parked on the tarmac. – Rappler.com

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    Pakistanis get relief as US visa policy overturned

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    A US federal judge has struck down a State Department policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from Pakistan and 74 other countries. US District Judge Jeannette Vargas issued the ruling in Manhattan, finding that the policy exceeded the legal authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The State Department had introduced the suspension in January, preventing consular officials from issuing immigrant visas to applicants based solely on their nationality. Judge Vargas described the policy as unlawful and said it conflicted with federal immigration law. She ruled that the law does not give the Secretary of State the authority to impose a blanket suspension on immigrant visa issuance based on an applicant’s nationality. The policy affected applicants from a wide range of countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh in South Asia. Several countries in Latin America, the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean were also included. US authorities had defended the measure by arguing that applicants from the listed countries were considered more likely to become dependent on government-funded assistance after entering the United States. The ruling came in a case brought by immigrant rights organisations, visa applicants and US citizens sponsoring family members from the affected countries. The plaintiffs challenged the State Department’s decision, arguing that the blanket suspension unlawfully restricted access to the immigrant visa process. The decision represents a legal setback for the Trump administration, which has pursued tougher immigration policies since returning to office. The administration has said its immigration measures are intended to strengthen national security and reduce pressure on public resources. Immigrant rights groups, however, have criticised several aspects of the crackdown. They have raised concerns about due process, discrimination and the treatment of ethnic minorities. The State Department had not immediately issued a response to the judge’s decision.

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    Israel launches second strike in Syria within a we…

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    DAMASCUS: Tensions in the region rose again after an Israeli drone strike near the Syrian capital Damascus injured several people, prompting Kuwait to strongly condemn the attack and call for international action to prevent further Israeli operations on Syrian territory. The strike reportedly targeted a civilian vehicle near a village southwest of Damascus. Several people were injured in the attack, according to reports, although the full extent of the casualties was not immediately clear. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as repeated Israeli aggression against Syrian territory and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities and work to stop further attacks. In a statement, the ministry said the targeting of a civilian vehicle had resulted in injuries among civilians. Kuwait called for an effective international response to what it described as continuing violations of Syria’s sovereignty. The incident is particularly significant because it marks the second Israeli attack in Syria within a week, raising concerns that the cycle of strikes could further aggravate tensions in an already volatile region. Israel, however, defended the latest operation. Israeli officials said the strike targeted what they described as “terrorists” and was carried out in response to an immediate threat faced by Israeli troops. The competing accounts highlight the broader security dispute surrounding Israel’s military operations in Syria. Israel has repeatedly said that its forces act to prevent threats from armed groups and to protect Israeli personnel and territory. Syrian and Arab officials, meanwhile, have frequently condemned such operations as violations of Syrian sovereignty. The latest strike comes at a time when the wider Middle East remains under intense pressure from overlapping conflicts and security crises. Any further escalation inside Syria could complicate efforts to maintain regional stability and increase diplomatic pressure on neighbouring countries. Kuwait’s appeal to the UN Security Council reflects growing calls from Arab states for greater international scrutiny of military operations on Syrian soil. The Kuwaiti ministry urged global powers to take concrete steps rather than allowing repeated attacks to continue unchecked. For residents near Damascus, the latest incident adds to concerns over the possibility of renewed violence. Although the immediate strike caused injuries rather than a large-scale loss of life, the frequency of military operations has raised fears that a wider confrontation could develop. With Israel maintaining that its actions are necessary for security and Arab governments calling for an end to attacks, Syria remains caught at the centre of a tense regional confrontation. The latest strike could therefore become another flashpoint in an increasingly fragile security environment.

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    Talks accelerate to fully reopen Strait of Hormuz 

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      Efforts to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime trade routes, are gaining momentum as diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran continue to show encouraging progress. According to reports preparations are underway to restore unrestricted commercial navigation through the vital waterway, with an official announcement expected within the next few hours or by Wednesday. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical shipping corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, carrying a significant share of the world’s crude oil, liquefied natural gas, refined petroleum products, and other essential commodities. Any disruption in traffic through the strait has immediate consequences for global energy markets and international trade. Arab television channels have claimed that discussions aimed at fully reopening the waterway have advanced considerably. The reports suggest that diplomatic negotiations have entered their final stages and that an agreement could soon be announced, allowing commercial vessels to resume normal operations after a period of uncertainty. Earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations. Speaking to media in Washington , he said there was a strong possibility that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by Tuesday or Wednesday.Talks between Washington and Tehran are focused on ensuring the uninterrupted movement of commercial ships through the strategic passage while restoring stability to the region. During the interview, the Treasury Secretary noted that negotiations are continuing with the aim of normalizing the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and guaranteeing safe passage for international shipping. He emphasized that both sides are engaged in discussions designed to reduce tensions and facilitate the free flow of maritime commerce. When asked whether Iran would be permitted to collect toll fees from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Bessent dismissed the possibility. He clarified that the proposed arrangement is based on the principle of complete freedom of navigation for all commercial vessels. According to him, the agreement is intended to ensure that ships from every nation can transit the waterway without facing additional charges or restrictions. If finalized, the agreement is expected to have far-reaching economic benefits. In addition to restoring the uninterrupted export of crude oil from Gulf producers, it would also enable the smooth transportation of fertilizers, refined petroleum products, industrial gases, and numerous other essential commodities. Industry experts believe that the reopening of the strait would significantly improve global supply chains that have been disrupted by regional tensions. Another major benefit of the proposed agreement would be the release of hundreds of commercial vessels currently delayed or stranded in the Persian Gulf due to security concerns. Allowing these ships to resume their voyages would ease congestion, reduce shipping costs, and improve delivery schedules for international trade. Economists suggest that a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could also help stabilize global energy markets. Increased supplies of crude oil and petroleum products would likely ease concerns over shortages, potentially leading to lower international oil prices. Reduced transportation costs could further contribute to price relief across several sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer goods. While optimism surrounding the negotiations has grown, officials have yet to announce a formal agreement. Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, and both governments are expected to continue discussions until a final framework is approved. Observers around the world are closely monitoring developments, as the outcome of these talks could have a significant impact on global trade, energy security, and regional stability. If the anticipated agreement is reached, it would mark an important diplomatic breakthrough, restoring confidence in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors and helping normalize commercial activity throughout the Gulf region.

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    Lebanon becomes first Middle Eastern country to abolish death penalty

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    Irish songwriter Glen Hansard dies in Dublin motor…

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    Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, acclaimed for his work with The Frames and his Academy Award-winning song Falling Slowly, has died following a motorbike accident in Dublin. He was 56. Emergency services were called to Lower Road in Lucan shortly before dawn on Wednesday. Police confirmed the crash involved only Hansard’s vehicle and appealed for witnesses. His management, ATC, said his family was “heartbroken” and asked for privacy. Hansard’s career began on Dublin’s streets as a busker before he appeared in Alan Parker’s The Commitments in 1991. A year earlier he had founded The Frames, a band that became a cornerstone of Ireland’s rock scene. His international breakthrough came with Once, the 2007 film in which he starred alongside Czech musician Markéta Irglová. Their duet Falling Slowly won the Oscar for Best Original Song the following year and later formed the backbone of a Broadway musical that earned eight Tony Awards. Beyond his collaborations with Irglová in The Swell Season, Hansard released solo records including Didn’t He Ramble, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2016. He also became a familiar face on Irish television as the original presenter of RTÉ’s Other Voices. Hansard was widely admired for his charity work, particularly the Christmas Eve busk he launched in Dublin in 2010 to support the Simon Community. The annual event drew stars such as Bono, Sinéad O’Connor and Shane MacGowan. The charity described him as “a giant in the fight against homelessness” and said his compassion would remain part of his legacy. Tributes poured in from fellow artists and public figures. Actor Chris O’Dowd wrote: “He did that. And he leaves it with us. Thanks Glen.” Musician Mike Scott of The Waterboys added: “Travel on well, Buddy. You made your dreams come true.” Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called Hansard “a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural landscape.” Hansard leaves behind his partner and their young son. In a recent interview he reflected on fatherhood, saying it had “upturned everything I know” and brought him to “a very different place than I’ve ever been before.”

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    Turkey submits bill to parliament aimed at reinteg…

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    Turkey’s governing coalition put forward a draft law before parliament on Wednesday designed to secure lasting peace with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, offering legal protection from prosecution to many former fighters and suspending prison terms for others. The legislation represents a significant step toward closing out an insurgency that has claimed more than 40,000 lives since 1984, deepened political divisions inside Turkey and spilled violence into neighboring Iraq and Syria over four decades. The bill aims to bring the long running conflict to a close in part by clearing the way for potentially thousands of former PKK fighters and civilians to return to Turkey from hideouts in northern Iraq. The measure carries support from a majority of lawmakers and is expected to clear parliament later this week, though public opinion polls suggest many Turks remain doubtful it will deliver a durable peace. Under the bill, Turkey’s national security council would confirm the group’s disarmament, while a dedicated committee, including the vice president, several cabinet ministers and the head of the MIT intelligence service, would supervise the surrender and disarmament of militants. That committee would then report on the process to a parliamentary oversight commission. According to the text of the legislation, the bill would suspend prison sentences for individuals convicted of PKK membership or of assisting the organization. It would also extend legal protection to fighters who were not involved in killings, provided they return to Turkey within six months of the law taking effect. PKK figures convicted of more serious offenses, including leading a terrorist organization or sentenced to aggravated life terms before 2005, would fall outside the scope of these protections and would not receive suspended sentences. That exclusion means PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999 under an aggravated life sentence, would remain behind bars even as the broader peace process moves forward. Ocalan called on the PKK to lay down its weapons and dissolve last year, a call the group’s leadership accepted. President Tayyip Erdogan’s governing AK Party secured backing for the bill, formally titled the national solidarity and social integration law, from its nationalist ally the MHP as well as the pro Kurdish DEM Party. Most other parties in parliament, including the main opposition, have also expressed support for the legislation. DEM co chair Tuncer Bakirhan described the vote as an important first step, saying he hopes the process continues forward in a constructive direction. The peace initiative between Turkey, which fields NATO’s second largest army, and the PKK first got underway in late 2024. It nearly stalled earlier this year, however, as the war involving Iran raised fears of wider regional instability and diverted attention from the domestic peace effort. Turkey, along with the United States and the European Union, classifies the PKK as a terrorist organization. The group launched its armed campaign in 1984, initially demanding an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey before later shifting its goals toward greater autonomy and expanded political rights for Kurdish communities within Turkey. The legislation now heads toward a parliamentary vote expected within days, marking one of the most consequential efforts yet to formally end a conflict that has shaped Turkish domestic politics and regional security dynamics for more than a generation.

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