Second missile attack in two days targets Riyadh airport as oil executives pull out of energy congress
Saudi authorities put the toll from Saturday's strike on King Khalid International Airport at 12 dead and 309 injured (AP, FinancialJuice). A second attack followed on Sunday (BBC); the coalition said it intercepted a missile near the airport, and FinancialJuice reported one dead and 11 wounded, not yet confirmed elsewhere. The Houthis claimed responsibility and warned airlines off Saudi airports (Reuters). The Irish Times reported an Irishman among the injured. The FT reported that oil chiefs withdrew from the energy congress in Riyadh, and Reuters reported a fall in Saudi stocks.
Riyadh is the capital of the world's largest oil exporter. Repeated attacks on a major civilian airport raise the risk of wider conflict in the Gulf and of higher oil prices.
Oil is likely to move first when markets reopen today, and fuel prices in Ireland follow with a delay. If you have relatives or travel booked to Saudi Arabia, check the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice.
Saudi Arabia and its allies call the attacks a war crime and want a strong response against the Houthis.
Iran-aligned groups present the attacks as part of the wider regional war, and diplomats fear retaliation will close the door on talks.
Watch Brent and WTI at the open against Friday's close, and any retaliation announced by the coalition. The Sunday casualty figure needs a second source.
DailyDrop Ireland edition No. 8 · Morning · MON., OCT. 12, 2026