US President Donald Trump has said Washington may consider joining Saudi Arabia's military operations against Yemen's Houthi rebels following a deadly strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The attack on Saturday, October 10, killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. The incident has intensified concerns about the widening conflict in the Middle East and raised the possibility of direct US military involvement in the confrontation.
Asked whether the United States would participate in Saudi strikes against the Houthis, Trump said, "We may. We're going to look at it." He added that his administration had only recently learned about the latest attack and would make a decision quickly. The US president also described the incident as unacceptable and indicated that he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the situation.
The strike was the third attack on Riyadh's international airport within a week, according to reports. The latest incident caused significant casualties and disrupted airport operations, with flights diverted and services suspended following the attack. The victims included Saudi citizens and nationals from several other countries, including Bangladesh and the United States. US officials condemned the attack, while Saudi authorities blamed the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Houthis had not immediately claimed responsibility for the latest strike.
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The escalation comes as Saudi Arabia intensifies its military campaign against the Houthis in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government. Fighting has increased following the breakdown of a ceasefire that had helped reduce hostilities between the Saudi-led coalition and the rebels. The Houthis have expanded their attacks against Saudi targets, while Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have launched operations to regain territory held by the group, further worsening the security situation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the airport attacks, saying they demonstrated disregard for civilian lives. Washington reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia and called for an end to attacks against civilian infrastructure. The United Nations also condemned the strike, stressing that attacks on civilians and civilian facilities violate international law. The incident has increased pressure on Saudi Arabia's allies to provide support as the kingdom faces growing security challenges.
The prospect of direct US involvement could mark a significant development in the conflict, which has already affected regional security and international travel. Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government after the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. The latest violence threatens to widen the confrontation further, although Washington has not announced a final decision on whether its forces will join Saudi military operations.
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