OTTAWA – Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau, has confirmed that the Canadian embassy in Riyadh remains operational for citizens requiring consular assistance, amidst escalating violence following deadly Houthi missile strikes at the international airport in Riyadh.

In a video released on Sunday, Ambassador Linteau urged Canadians present in Riyadh to prioritize safety by avoiding military debris and to contact local authorities if they encounter such hazards, rather than posting about them on social media platforms.

The situation in Riyadh escalated when the Saudi-led coalition, which is engaged in a military conflict with Houthi rebels from Yemen, reported that another projectile targeted a passenger terminal at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday. This incident followed a missile attack the previous day, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and left hundreds more injured.

In response to the increased hostilities, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia and to specifically refrain from traveling to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The violence has drawn strong condemnation from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who expressed his outrage over the Houthis' assaults on civilian infrastructure, labeling them as “abhorrent” and unjustifiable. Prime Minister Carney extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims affected by the recent attacks.

This incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in the region, raising concerns for foreign nationals and increasing the urgency for governments to reassess travel advisories to ensure the safety of their citizens abroad.