World Leaders Condemn Houthi Strike on Riyadh Airport as Travel Warnings Issued

An attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh drew international condemnation on Sunday from European leaders, the United Nations, and regional governments, Iran International reported. The incident prompted travel warnings alongside calls to halt strikes on civilian infrastructure.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband urged British nationals to avoid Riyadh airport and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the strike as an act of terrorism against Saudi Arabia and civil aviation, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law and must cease immediately.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Iran-backed Houthi forces are destabilising regional transport and energy infrastructure, calling the strike a dangerous escalation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also denounced the incident, and officials from Italy, France, Canada, Russia, Syria, and the Arab League issued statements of condemnation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that an American citizen was killed in the attack and called for an immediate halt to Houthi strikes. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invoked the countries' joint defence pact in reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to Saudi Arabia's security.