Following Riyadh, a devastating missile attack on King Fahd International Airport in the eastern Saudi Arabian city of Dammam has left one person dead and eight injured. In the wake of this, the United States has ordered non-emergency US embassy personnel and their family members working in Saudi Arabia to leave the country. Amid fears of further attacks targeting airports, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure, anxiety is also growing among foreign nationals and international travelers. Travel advisories from multiple countries and disruptions to flight operations have created uncertainty regarding travel plans to and through Saudi Arabia.
The attack targeting Dammam's King Fahd International Airport occurred on Wednesday evening, October 21, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia. The eight injured individuals have been taken to hospitals, with some sustaining minor injuries and others in critical condition. Officials are also working to assess the damage to the airport. However, detailed information regarding the type of weapon used in the attack and who was directly involved has not been provided.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have recently been issuing threats of attacks on Saudi airports and vital installations. Previously, the group had also claimed responsibility for an attack on this Dammam airport. However, no confirmed information has been obtained indicating that they have officially claimed responsibility for this latest attack.
US personnel ordered to leave Saudi Arabia
Amid the deteriorating situation, the US Department of State has ordered non-emergency US government personnel working in Saudi Arabia and their family members to leave the country. US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that growing Houthi attacks are damaging civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in loss of life and major disruptions to air travel.
The US Embassy in Riyadh has also advised US citizens residing in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, warning them of potential further attacks, airspace closures, and flight cancellations or delays. There are also special approval restrictions for US government personnel regarding the use of Saudi Arabian airports.
However, this US directive is not an order for all US citizens or all foreign nationals currently in the country to leave Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the US State Department has rejected reports that a decision has been made to evacuate personnel from all US embassies in the Gulf region.
New concerns after lethal attack at Riyadh airport
The incident in Dammam has further escalated concerns regarding the security of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Previously, a series of attacks occurred at King Khalid International Airport in the capital, Riyadh. Saudi authorities reported that an October 10 attack killed at least 12 people and injured over 300. The following day, reports emerged that another attack on the airport left one more person dead and 11 injured. Following these incidents, operations at the Riyadh airport were disrupted, and various international airlines modified their flight operations.
The UK Foreign Office has also advised against traveling to areas of Saudi Arabia bordering Yemen and to avoid non-essential travel to other parts of the country. Their travel advisory mentioned the risk of further attacks on airports and other installations, as well as the possibility of flight cancellations. Consequently, foreign nationals, business professionals, tourists, and transit passengers working in Saudi Arabia are having to exercise extra caution regarding their travel plans.
Attack on oil field as well, two foreign workers killed
Alongside airports, Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure is also at risk of attacks. On Wednesday, Saudi air defense systems intercepted a drone attack targeting a facility at the Shaybah oil field. Subsequently, falling drone debris resulted in the deaths of two foreign workers, one from the Philippines and the other from Nepal. The Saudi Ministry of Energy stated that two others were injured in the incident. However, no group has been officially blamed for this attack either.
Amid the Houthi threats of attacks, the security of Saudi Arabia's airports, oil installations, and other vital infrastructure has now become a major challenge. Concerns are mounting over the safety of foreign workers, international aviation, and the impact on travel to the country. If the situation deteriorates further, there are fears that flight disruptions, changes to travel schedules, and regional security crises will intensify.
