Three people have died in Houthi attacks on the airport in Riyadh, Saudi authorities announced

Three Saudi citizens were killed in airstrikes launched on Thursday against Riyadh airport and claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Friday. The attacks targeted airport facilities and an aircraft belonging to the national carrier Saudi Airlines.

Among the victims was Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, a pilot for the Saudi airline. Saudi Airlines confirmed his death in a statement expressing its “deep sorrow.”

Saudi authorities have not yet provided detailed information about the extent of the damage caused at the airport or any possible injuries. The incident is heightening tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who control significant territory in Yemen and receive support from Iran.

Riyadh is currently ruling out an immediate ceasefire with the rebels. According to a regional source quoted by AFP on condition of anonymity, Saudi Arabia will not accept a ceasefire until the Yemeni government recaptures the territories recently seized by the Houthis. The source added that Riyadh would not yield to the group’s “military blackmail.”