Two killed and eight others injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, October 21.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the casualties on Thursday. The injured were taken to hospital, with their conditions ranging from minor to critical. The airport also sustained material damage, although authorities have not yet shared details about the extent of the damage. Flights were diverted following the attack, according to the reports. Officials have not confirmed what weapon was used or who was behind the latest incident. Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for some of the earlier attacks on Saudi Arabia, but it has not claimed this particular strike.
Two More People Killed at Saudi Oil Facility
The attack on Dammam airport was followed by another deadly incident at Shaybah oil field, where two workers were killed and two others injured.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said air defences intercepted a drone targeting a facility at the oil field. Debris from the interception fell in the area, killing a Filipino and a Nepali national. A Pakistani and an Indian national were among those injured.
A fire also broke out in a contractor’s vehicle outside the facility. The ministry said oil field operations were not affected.
A Fresh Wave of Attacks in October
The current escalation started just earlier in the month, with attacks taking place at airports in various locations in Saudi Arabia such as Riyadh, Abha, Jazan, and Najran.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was one of those most affected. Attacks from October 7-11 resulted in deaths and injuries of hundreds of people. Flights were also hampered, and the Houthis took responsibility for some of the attacks.
Attacks at Dammam airport also happened earlier in October. An attack at King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia was reported by Saudi Arabia officials on October 11, while the Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi air and oil infrastructure. The attack that took place on October 21 is a separate attack.
US Orders Some Personnel to Leave Saudi Arabia
In addition, the deteriorating security situation has also made the US react. According to the Reuters, the United States on October 21 ordered all non-essential staff and their families out of Saudi Arabia.
This move was taken in the midst of ongoing attacks on airports and energy plants in Saudi Arabia. The US Embassy in Riyadh has also issued a warning of further attacks.
This is a developing story.
Sources: Al Jazeera, and Reuters.