Pakistan Vows Support for Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

Conflict30 sourcesOct 17, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 48/100

The Story

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Saturday that Islamabad stands with Riyadh like a rock amid increasing attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

These attacks have targeted Saudi energy and aviation facilities, including a strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 12 and injured over 300. Pakistan has previously signed defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, including a trilateral pact with Turkey in August. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and safeguarding Saudi sovereignty and security in meetings with the Saudi envoy.

In Yemen, Houthi missiles struck Aden International Airport on Friday, with the group claiming responsibility and stating they targeted a weapons depot and military command headquarters. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at Yanbu, a key Saudi oil hub, along with two cruise missiles and three drones. The US State Department has advised Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risks of missile and drone attacks, armed conflict, and terrorism, warning of potential flight cancellations and airspace closures. Delta Air Lines postponed its new Atlanta-to-Riyadh route launch until March 2027.

What they agree on

Houthi rebels have launched attacks targeting Saudi civilian infrastructure, including airports and energy facilities.
Pakistan has publicly stated its support for Saudi Arabia amid these attacks.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the execution of five citizens for terrorism-related offenses.
Missiles struck Aden International Airport in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming responsibility for targeting military sites and a weapons depot.

Where they split

Some sources emphasize Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia through defense pacts and statements of solidarity, while others focus on the Houthi attacks in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, including specific casualty figures and coalition interception efforts.
Coverage varies on the specific targets and outcomes of Houthi attacks, with some detailing strikes on Riyadh's airport and energy facilities, while others focus on the Aden airport incident and the Saudi-led coalition's interceptions.
The New York Sun reports that the UN Security Council condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and that Riyadh Airport came under fire 20 times, while other sources do not mention the UN Security Council's condemnation or the specific number of attacks on Riyadh Airport.