Pilot Killed in Riyadh Airport Houthi Attacks; Coalition to Respond

Three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed in attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport by Iran-backed Houthi militants. The attacks targeted airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to the Saudi carrier Saudia. Due to these attacks, hundreds of flights were canceled, but airport operations have now returned to normal according to the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which are part of a series of escalations in their campaign against Riyadh. The raids disrupted flights, with data from Cirium showing that 31 flights due out the following day were canceled. Despite this disruption, GACA reported that air traffic operations have resumed normally. The Houthis' actions have prompted discussions of increased defense measures involving French military protection for key oil terminals and support from Turkey and Pakistan in the Saudi-led coalition's military efforts. The Saudi-led coalition, through spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki, stated that they would respond firmly to these attacks. The coalition also confirmed the destruction of three missile launchers used in these strikes. This incident is part of ongoing conflicts involving the Houthis and the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The Saudi-led coalition's planned response and the resumed airport operations are central developments to monitor for stability in the area.