Shafaq News- Riyadh (Updated at 00:20)

An attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Saturday injured several people and forced a temporary suspension of operations, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said.

The United States, Canada, Germany, Spain and Britain urged their citizens to avoid the airport amid heightened security concerns and disruptions to air travel.

The US Mission in Saudi Arabia said it was aware of attacks on the airport and strongly advised Americans to avoid it and surrounding areas. It warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and further travel disruption, urging passengers to check directly with airlines and airport authorities before travelling.

US government personnel in Saudi Arabia now require special authorization to use King Khalid International Airport. They are also barred from travelling within 20 miles of the Saudi-Yemeni border and require approval to travel to Jazan, Asir and Najran, as well as Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.

US President Donald Trump said Washington could consider joining Saudi strikes against Yemen’s Houthis following the latest attack, saying a decision would be made after reviewing the incident.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry asked citizens stranded abroad by the suspension of flights to Riyadh to contact the kingdom’s diplomatic missions for assistance.

The attack comes amid Operation Dawn of Yemen, a Saudi-backed offensive launched on October 5 by forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government against Houthi-held territory, with the stated aim of eventually retaking Sanaa.