Canada Urges Caution After Deadly Houthi Strikes Hit Riyadh Airport Terminal
Canada's embassy in Riyadh remains open for consular assistance after Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured hundreds, with a second projectile striking the s
Canada Urges Caution After Deadly Houthi Strikes Hit Riyadh Airport Terminal Canada's embassy in Riyadh remains open for consular assistance after Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured hundreds, with a second projectile striking the same passenger terminal on Sunday. Canada's embassy in Riyadh remains open for Canadians in need of consular assistance following deadly Houthi strikes against the international airport in Riyadh, Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia said Sunday. Ambassador Jean-Philippe Linteau said in a video posted Sunday that anyone in Riyadh who encounters military debris should walk away and contact authorities, and should not post about it on social media. The Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen says another projectile hit a passenger terminal at the Riyadh airport on Sunday. That attack came a day after a missile attack on the same terminal killed 12 people and injured hundreds.Canada Issues Travel AdvisoryCanada has issued a travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, and to avoid all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The specific warning against all travel to the airport means Canadians should not go there under any circumstances. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence late Saturday night, calling the Houthis' attacks on civilian infrastructure abhorrent and unjustified. Carney also expressed condolences to the families of those who were killed in the attack.Images published by The Canadian Press and The Associated Press showed people gathering outside a metro station on the road to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. An image from video obtained and verified by AP showed thick black smoke and flames rising from a fire at King Khalid International Airport on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. The strikes have raised concerns about safety at one of the region's busiest airports.The airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel across the Middle East. Canada's advisory urges Canadians in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities. The embassy's decision to remain open means Canadians can still seek help with passports, emergency documents, and other consular services. Linteau's message emphasized the importance of avoiding any contact with military debris, which could pose a safety risk.Saudi Coalition Fights Houthi RebelsHe also warned against sharing information about debris on social media, likely to prevent the spread of misinformation or sensitive details. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen for years. The conflict has periodically spilled over into Saudi territory, including attacks on civilian infrastructure. Sunday's projectile strike marked the second attack on the same passenger terminal in two days.The previous day's missile attack caused the most casualties, with 12 people killed and hundreds injured. Canadian officials have not said whether any Canadians were among the victims. The government has not announced plans to evacuate citizens or close the embassy. The travel advisory remains in effect, and Canadians are urged to avoid all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.Carney Condemns Civilian AttacksCarney's condemnation reflected Canada's position on attacks against civilian targets. He described the Houthi actions as abhorrent and unjustified. The situation remains fluid as authorities assess the damage and respond to the attacks. Canadians in Saudi Arabia are advised to stay informed and follow official guidance.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2026, with files from The Associated Press.
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