Foreign Ministry condemns attack on Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia, urges Houthi rebels to halt attacks

[Financial News] The Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning recent attacks by Houthi rebels on civilian facilities, including an international airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, which caused numerous civilian casualties.
On the 14th, the Foreign Ministry said, “Attacks on civilians and civilian facilities can never be tolerated,” adding, “We once again urge them to immediately cease their attacks.” It also stressed that peace and stability in the Middle East are important to the entire international community, including South Korea, in terms of global supply chains and energy security.
The South Korean government offered its heartfelt condolences to the victims of the attack and their bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also expressed its deep solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia.
As of 22:00 on the 11th, the Foreign Ministry raised the travel alert for all of Saudi Arabia to Level 3 (Departure Recommended). Accordingly, it advised South Korean nationals staying in Saudi Arabia to leave unless they had essential business there, and urged those planning to travel to cancel or postpone their trips.
The Houthis’ first attack (around the 8th–9th) struck the airport terminal with missiles, in a disaster that killed 12 to 13 civilians of multiple nationalities, including Saudis, and injured about 300. The Houthi rebels claimed they had been striking King Khalid Airport since the evening of the 9th.
In the Houthis’ second attack (around the 10th–11th), projectiles and cruise missiles again struck the passenger terminal building, sparking a fire and injuring numerous people. Riyadh airport operations were completely suspended as a result.
The Houthi rebels also launched ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh International Airport on the evening of the 12th, but they were intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition.


[email protected] Kim Gyeong-su Reporter