Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of war crimes as US warns on Saudi airports

Saudi Arabia has accused Yemen's Houthis of committing 'full-fledged war crimes' in attacks on the kingdom, as the United States warned of potential attacks on Saudi airports. The Saudi accusation and the American warning were reported on October 16. Al Jazeera

Saudi Arabia said the Houthi attacks endangered Muslim holy sites and pilgrims. Riyadh did not, in the accounts of its statements, specify which sites it meant.

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans about the possible airport attacks and restricted travel by its staff in connection with the threat. The embassy warning adds to existing U.S. guidance for the country.

The warning follows continued strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital's main airport. The Union of the Comoros condemned what it described as a terrorist attack by the Houthi militia on the airport. An attack on a Saudi airport killed at least 13 people, according to later reporting. Reuters

The Houthis have vowed more attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities after an incident involving the Aramco headquarters. The group described the threatened Saudi locations as legitimate targets and said its attacks were retaliation for Saudi strikes on Yemen. It has also renewed a warning for people to avoid Saudi airports. Reuters

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has said it was aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport and that the Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports. It warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia

The Mission advised U.S. citizens not to travel near the Yemen border. It said U.S. government employees require special authorization to use King Khalid International Airport, are prohibited from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border, and require special authorization for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.