Explosion at Riyadh airport injures several

Several people were injured in an explosion at Saudi Arabia’s international airport in Riyadh on Saturday, prompting the evacuation of passengers from parts of the facility, Reuters reported, citing two witnesses and two other people familiar with the matter.

One witness said they saw several injured people lying on the ground inside the airport shortly after the explosion on October 10. More than a dozen ambulances were also seen rushing towards the airport.

Saudi Arabia’s government media office and the country’s civil aviation authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The incident comes amid an increase in missile attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia. The airport had already come under attack twice earlier this week, leaving four people dead and several others injured. At least one aircraft was also severely damaged.

According to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, all flights bound for Riyadh were diverted or cancelled following the incident. Only one helicopter was seen circling over the airport.

Airport authorities urged passengers to contact their respective airlines directly to check the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.