On the morning of October 10, 2026, Saudi authorities reported that two separate missile attacks targeted the airport in Riyadh and the airport in Abha. The strikes hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, causing casualties and material damage.
Saudi Arabia announced that three of its citizens were killed in the attacks. In addition, many people were injured; later tallies placed the number of injured at thirty‑six. The victims were civilians using the airports at the time of the strikes.
Iran‑backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen have been carrying out ballistic missile and drone attacks on various sites inside Saudi Arabia. The briefings specifically linked the same group to the missile strikes on the Riyadh and Abha airports on October 10.
He emphasized that such violence threatens the broader calm of the region.
Later that day, Ömer Çelik, who serves as both spokesperson and deputy chairman of Turkey’s AK Party, released a statement. He condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms, labeling them terrorist acts.
In his remarks, Çelik said that the terrorist acts directly targeting regional peace, security, and stability could never be tolerated. He emphasized that such violence threatens the broader calm of the region.
Çelik extended prayers for mercy to those who lost their lives and wished swift recovery for the wounded. He conveyed Turkey’s condolences to the Saudi government and people, describing Saudi Arabia as a friend and brother.
Reiterating Turkey’s official position, Çelik stated that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the country will continue to oppose every form of terrorism that endangers regional security. He framed the stance as a continuing commitment.
The same statement also addressed internal political debates, as Çelik responded to claims made by opposition figures and other domestic commentators. He used the moment to reinforce the party’s line on foreign policy and security.
Throughout his comments, Çelik repeatedly linked the attacks to threats against regional peace, security, and stability. He argued that tolerating such violence would undermine efforts to keep the area safe.
As of the date of the statement, the attacks had been formally condemned by Turkey, the casualties mourned, and the responsibility attributed to Houthi forces. The broader pattern of missile and drone strikes by the group on Saudi infrastructure remained a point of concern.