A deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has killed 12 people and injured over 300, according to Saudi civil aviation authorities. The casualties included citizens from multiple nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the U.S., Egypt, and others. The Saudi-led coalition accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen of carrying out the attack, labeling it a “fully-fledged war crime.” The airport, which has no military facilities, suspended operations, and flights were diverted elsewhere.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the attack by stating he was evaluating whether the U.S. should join Saudi strikes against the rebels. “We may. We’re going to look at it,” he said, adding that he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack, noting that an American citizen was among the victims.
The attack is the latest in a series targeting Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure, escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis, who have denied responsibility, accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa International Airport in Yemen earlier the same day. The Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support for Yemeni government forces in response to recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea, a crucial shipping corridor.
The surge in attacks has raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities, with reports that the kingdom is running low on missile interceptors. Meanwhile, airlines such as Air India, FlyDubai, and Lufthansa have suspended flights to and from Saudi airports due to safety risks. Saudi authorities have also warned the public against sharing information related to missile and drone impacts, citing legal liability.