Saudi Arabia Extends Riyadh Airport Closure, Vows Retaliation Against Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of Riyadh's international airport following a series of Houthi drone and missile attacks, marking one of the most severe disruptions to Saudi aviation in recent years. The Saudi-led coalition has announced it is responding to the attacks, which include a deadly strike on Saturday that left 13 people dead and over 300 injured. The escalation represents a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. The closure of the airport in the capital has raised concerns about the security of vital infrastructure and the potential impact on the Kingdom's economy. The attacks have also highlighted the Houthis' growing capability to strike deep into Saudi territory, posing a direct challenge to Saudi Arabia's military and strategic interests. In this report, FRANCE 24 international affairs editor Philip Turle provides detailed analysis of the situation, examining the implications of the attacks and Saudi Arabia's options for response. The conflict with the Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and has far-reaching consequences for Saudi Arabia's ambitions to position itself as a global business and tourism hub.