China condemns deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia
Beijing (ANTARA) – The Chinese government has condemned a series of attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia that left more than a dozen people dead and hundreds injured.
“China condemns the attacks, which have caused many deaths and injuries, and expresses deep concern over the escalation of the conflict. We oppose attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference in Beijing on Monday (12 October).
On Saturday (10 October), Houthi rebels were suspected of attacking Riyadh International Airport, killing at least 13 people and injuring 309 others.
The following day, Sunday (11 October), King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked, killing one Pakistani national and injuring 11 others.
The Saudi-led coalition accused Yemen’s Houthi movement of carrying out the attacks and vowed to respond firmly.
“We urge the parties concerned to refrain from actions that could further heighten regional tensions,” Mao said.
China is encouraging the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiations, and is working to help achieve peace and stability in the region as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al Malki said in an official statement that the attack on Saturday (10 October) had directly targeted the airport’s passenger terminal, causing deaths and injuries.
“The cowardly terrorist attack by the Houthi militia on the passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, 10 October 2026, killed and injured a number of civilian passengers and airport staff. Under international humanitarian law, this act is unequivocally a war crime,” Al Malki said.
The coalition in Yemen also said it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile believed to have been launched by the Houthis towards Khamis Mushait, in south-western Saudi Arabia.
The situation in Yemen escalated further in mid-July 2026, when pro-government forces attacked Sanaa Airport as a plane from Iran carrying a delegation of Houthi leaders was landing.
The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack and declared war on the kingdom until the blockade of areas under Houthi control was lifted.