Riyadh airport attack another dangerous moment in already tense conflict

The Houthis have stepped up their attacks on Saudi Arabian soil, and while the physical damage can be quickly repaired, its reputation for stability is taking a battering. Houthi soldiers stand guard during a protest against Saudi Arabia, in Sana'a, Yemen, on Friday Saturday's attack on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh is another dangerous moment in a region that is already fraught with tension and conflict. In recent weeks the Houthis have stepped up their attacks on Saudi Arabian soil, but their attacks over the past few days have hit the country's critical infrastructure in the form of the capital's main airport, apparently penetrating Saudi air defences with ease. The physical damage can be quickly repaired, but the country's reputation as a safe haven of stability is taking a battering.

As well as all the airport attacks, the Houthis have sought to take control of strategically significant positions along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This further increases the risk to safe navigation along the vital maritime corridor – although the Yemeni government says it has "secured" the strait. The civil war in Yemen between the country's government – which is internationally recognised and supported by Saudi Arabia – and the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, has been going on for more than a decade.