Saudi Arabia: The United States is considering joining Saudi military operations against Yemen’s Houthi movement after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, according to Saudi authorities.
The attack on Saturday prompted the diversion or cancellation of flights to the Saudi capital and renewed concerns over the security of critical infrastructure. Saudi authorities blamed the Houthis, while a Saudi-led military coalition vowed to respond.
The victims included four Saudi nationals, two Bangladeshis and citizens of the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
What Has the US Said About Possible Military Action?
US President Donald Trump said Washington was reviewing whether to participate in Saudi strikes against the Houthis following the airport attack.
“We may. We’re going to look at it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House, adding that a decision would be made after reviewing the latest developments.
The US embassy in Riyadh said it was aware of the attacks and advised American citizens to avoid the airport and surrounding areas.
The attack was the third reported strike on King Khalid International Airport this week. Earlier attacks killed four people and damaged a Saudi commercial aircraft, according to the report.
How Has the Attack Affected Air Travel and the Yemen Conflict?
Saudi civil aviation authorities said flights to Riyadh were diverted or cancelled on Saturday, disrupting operations at the airport. Flight-tracking data also showed services being affected, while several airlines had already suspended or cancelled flights following earlier attacks.
The escalation comes as Saudi Arabia conducts air operations against the Houthis in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Yemeni government forces launched an offensive against the group this week, seeking to retake territory under Houthi control.
Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen’s conflict in 2015 as leader of a coalition supporting the government against the Houthis, who had seized the capital, Sanaa, the previous year. Fighting later reached a stalemate, and a 2022 agreement helped reduce hostilities before tensions escalated again.
The latest attacks have also raised security concerns ahead of major energy and investment conferences scheduled to take place in Riyadh. Organisers had said the events would proceed as planned before Saturday’s strike.