RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, October 22 (ANI) — At least one person was killed and eight others injured in an attack targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced.
According to an official statement released by GACA, the eight injured people, whose injuries ranged from minor to critical, were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
In a statement posted on X, GACA said, “The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announces that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was targeted by an attack on the evening of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, corresponding to 10 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH.”
The civil aviation authority also said the attack caused property damage, the extent of which was still being assessed.
“The attack resulted in the fatality of a resident, may Allah bestow His mercy upon him, and injuries to (8) others, ranging from minor to critical. All injured individuals were immediately transported to hospital to receive the necessary medical care.
“The attack also caused property damage, the extent of which is currently being assessed. Further updates will be provided,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of nonemergency U.S. government employees and their family members from Saudi Arabia.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The safety and security of Department personnel and their families remain our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support them,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.
Al Jazeera reported that Colonel Majid al-Nazili, a military spokesman for the Yemeni military, confirmed that Houthi forces had targeted Al-Rayyan Airport for the fourth time in a single day.
Condemning the continued strikes on civil aviation infrastructure, al-Nazili described the targeting of airports as an attack on essential assets serving Yemen’s population and a deliberate attempt to impose a blockade. He emphasized that strikes on airports directly harm the Yemeni people’s interests and severely restrict their freedom of movement.
In a separate statement reported by Al Jazeera, Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, said coalition air defense systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed four drones targeting Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The latest attack comes amid continuing regional tensions and a series of strikes targeting airport facilities.
On October 10, 13 people, including an Indian national, were killed and hundreds injured in a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport. GACA had earlier reported 12 fatalities and 309 injuries in a statement issued October 11. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh subsequently confirmed the death of an Indian national who had been injured in the attack.
A series of attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7 resulted in three deaths and 36 injuries, according to GACA. Airport operations were temporarily suspended as authorities assessed the damage and conducted safety inspections in coordination with relevant agencies.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Tuesday that the regional situation in West Asia remained a matter of “deep concern.” He affirmed that New Delhi would support every initiative promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He made the remarks during discussions with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (ANI)
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