Attacks on Saudi Airports Lead to US Diplomatic Departure
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 9:00 am – 10:00 am AEST
Following a deadly attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, resulting in one death and eight injuries, the US ordered the departure of diplomats and family members from its missions in Saudi Arabia. This followed a series of attacks by Houthi forces.
What happened
- An attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam resulted in one fatality and eight injuries, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
- Simultaneously, Saudi air defenses intercepted a drone targeting Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield, leading to the deaths of two residents – one Filipino and one Nepali – and injuries to two others, one Pakistani and one Indian, due to falling debris.
- The US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members from Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Houthi attacks.
- US officials confirmed that the Iran-aligned Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
- Recent attacks, including on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, have caused casualties and travel disruptions.
- The US embassy issued a security alert regarding further potential attacks by the Houthis.
Original reporting
- Al Jazeera: One killed, eight injured in attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd airport
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00 - GB News: One killed, eight injured in attack on Saudi airport as US orders diplomats to leave country
2026-10-21T23:00:42+00:00