3 Saudis killed in attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid Int'l Airport

Three Saudi citizens were killed and a number of others of various nationalities injured in two attacks targeting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Thursday, Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said Friday.

The first attack targeted facilities at the airport, while the second hit an aircraft belonging to the country's national carrier Saudia, GACA said in a statement.

The attacks left three dead, with airliner Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami among the killed.

Emergency teams and relevant authorities responded immediately. All injured people, suffering minor or critical injuries, were transported to hospital, it said.

The attacks also caused property damage. GACA said it is continuing to coordinate with security agencies to assess the damage and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers, personnel and the civil aviation system.

It also confirmed that airport operations and air traffic have resumed.

However, the current security situation remains fragile. The Saudi Civil Defense confirmed on Thursday that after a ballistic missile was intercepted over Riyadh, falling debris damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex in the city. No casualties were reported by official sources.

In response to persistent threats, the Saudi-led coalition has continued targeted military operations against Houthi military targets. On Friday, the coalition announced the destruction of three missile launch platforms that posed security risks, reiterating that it would retaliate against any attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Saudi Arabia's neighboring countries have issued statements condemning the Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supported its efforts to safeguard national security and stability. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that Gulf nations stand united with Saudi Arabia on the issue.

While affirming its support for Riyadh, Oman also called on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation.

3 Saudis killed in attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid Int'l Airport

Israel marked the somber third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the current round of conflict in Gaza, with national memorial events laying bare deep societal rifts across the country.

The divisions were evident in the anniversary commemorations, as many families of hostages and their supporters chose to skip government-organized ceremonies, arguing that the war had been prolonged for political gains.

"My family who lives in Israel would never go near a government ceremony, which is sad that even in grief we are so divided; the country is still so divided," said Julia, a Canadian visitor to Israel.

As government ministers took the stage in Jerusalem, the families chose to be elsewhere, including at "The Space Left Behind," an exhibition at the Peres Center in Tel Aviv showcasing personal belongings of those killed in the Oct. 7 attack and the war that followed.

"We are giving as much as we can to the families. I feel like the politics is coming between [us and] that exhibition, just because this is all for life," said Emek Keidar Juma'a, curator of "The Space Left Behind" exhibition.

"I have the feeling that I had when I went to Hostages Square. The support of the people in Israel, it's so exciting, and also here. And I see that people are reading and seeing Tal's item, and it's very exciting because they don't have to come. They choose to come in support," said Ela Haimi, a Gaza border resident, who lost her husband Tal in the October 7 attack.

The Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people and triggered a massive Israeli military campaign across Gaza that has killed, according to Gaza-based health authorities, more than 74,200 people. It subsequently expanded into fighting across the region.

Israel marks third anniversary of Oct. 7 attack amid deep societal divisions