Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Oct 11: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly condemned the reported attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, confirming that an American citizen was among the 12 people killed and calling for an immediate halt to the attacks.
In a post on X, Rubio said the United States strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, including Saturday’s strike on the airport, which also left 309 people injured.
“These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now,” Rubio said, expressing condolences to the victims and their families and reaffirming Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the 12 fatalities included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one person each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
GACA said 309 people were injured, including several in critical condition. The injured are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals, while authorities are assessing the extent of the property damage caused by the attack.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the strike, expressing shock over the loss of life and injuries. He said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violated international law and called for an immediate cessation of such attacks.
The incident followed earlier attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport on October 6 and 7, which reportedly killed three people and injured 36, according to GACA.
The latest strike drew condemnation from Palestine, Egypt and Qatar, with the countries expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and raising concerns over civilian safety, national sovereignty and regional security.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the attack as authorities assessed the damage and carried out safety inspections. Several airlines announced flight cancellations or suspensions amid continuing security concerns.
Akasa Air extended the suspension of all flights to and from Riyadh until October 13, while Kuwait Airways cancelled its Riyadh-bound and return flights on Saturday.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised American citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. British authorities also advised their nationals to avoid the airport until it was considered secure and to follow guidance issued by Saudi authorities.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany and Spain issued advisories urging their citizens to avoid the airport or exercise caution amid the continuing security situation.