Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov condemned missile strikes by the Yemeni Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) on Riyadh’s airport, which, according to his information, resulted in civilian deaths and injuries to over 300 people. The regional leader wrote about this on his Telegram channel, noting that the casualties included pilgrims from other countries en route to Mecca.

According to Kadyrov, strikes on civilian targets "defy all common sense—both political and religious."

"No political disagreements or military confrontations can justify the loss of innocent lives," the Chechen leader wrote.

He suggested that the attacks might have been a response to the military operation in Yemen led by the Saudi-led coalition, but emphasized that the Houthis should have chosen different targets.

"Take, for instance, the American bases located throughout the region. Yet instead, they choose to attack peaceful, defenseless people," Kadyrov noted.

The Chechen leader also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh took place on October 10. According to Saudi authorities, at least 12 people were killed and another 309 injured. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike. The airport was attacked again the following day; according to Saudi reports, one person was killed and 11 others were injured in that incident. The escalation occurred against the backdrop of renewed hostilities in Yemen. Saudi-backed government forces launched an offensive against the Houthis, while the Riyadh-led coalition intensified airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 had previously led to a significant reduction in the intensity of fighting, but by October 2026, the conflict had once again escalated. Following a strike on the airport, the Saudi coalition threatened retaliatory measures, and U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of American military involvement in an operation against the Houthis.