AI-generated summary
The attack is part of a surge in Houthi strikes targeting Saudi airports, military sites, and oil infrastructure following a Saudi-led coalition offensive launched last week. Earlier Houthi claims included attacks on the same airport that killed three Saudis, including a pilot.
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he weighs joining Saudi Arabia’s strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport
US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia’s strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi civil aviation authorities. Asked whether he had decided to join the Saudi strikes, Trump said, “We may. We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack. We will make a decision. We move very quickly.” He added, “Look, the Saudis are good fighters. But I think the attack was a terrible thing.” The attack on Saturday was the deadliest in a Gulf country since the start of the Iran war, as fighting has expanded to include renewed clashes between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen.
US warns citizens against travelling to Riyadh airport
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert on Sunday, urging American citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas following the October 10 attacks. It also advised travellers to exercise extreme caution at major Saudi airports and warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions. Passengers were advised to check their flight status directly with airlines and airports. The mission said US government employees in Saudi Arabia required special authorisation to use King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as well as airports in Jeddah and Dammam. The latest attacks are expected to intensify pressure on Saudi Arabia’s allies, including the US, to provide military support as the kingdom steps up its campaign against the Houthis.
Airport attack kills 12, injures over 300
Saudi civil aviation authorities said the dead included four Saudi citizens and nationals of Bangladesh, Palestine, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Sudan. The injured were being treated at several hospitals, with some in critical condition. A missile struck a complex housing terminals 3 and 4, used for domestic flights, a regional official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The attack was the latest in a series of strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport over the past week. The Houthis had claimed responsibility for earlier attacks on the airport that killed three Saudis, including a pilot. The surge in attacks has also targeted other Saudi airports, military facilities and oil infrastructure, following a major military offensive launched against the Houthis by a Saudi-led coalition last week.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The US will decide whether to join Saudi strikes against the Houthis within days
Likely · Within days
Security alerts for US citizens in Saudi Arabia will remain in effect or be expanded
Very likely · Within weeks

At least 12 people have been killed and 309 injured in a missile and drone attack by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition has blamed the Houthi rebels, calling the attack a war crime. Experts say that despite Saudi Arabia having sophisticated weapons and money, it is not able to respond effectively to Houthi attacks due to lack of effective proxy forces on the ground, limited combat experience and strategic weaknesses. Mecca Agreement partners like Pakistan and Türkiye are also refusing direct military help, while the US has also refused to provide direct support.
India strongly condemned repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 and injured over 300, expressing condolences and solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The US also condemned the attacks, with President Trump indicating a possible decision on joining strikes against Houthis in Yemen. Airport operations were suspended after the latest attack, with flights diverted and dozens of ambulances responding.
India strongly condemned repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 people and injured over 300, expressing condolences and solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The US also condemned the attacks, with President Trump indicating a possible decision on joining strikes against Houthis in Yemen. Airport operations were suspended following the latest attack, with flights diverted and numerous cancellations reported.
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