An attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured 309 on Saturday, October 10, authorities said, as President Donald Trump considered whether the United States should join Saudi strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. An American citizen was among those killed at the airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
Airport operations were suspended after the attack. Saudi aviation authorities said some of the wounded were in serious condition, while emergency teams transported casualties to hospitals.
The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Iran-backed Houthis and promised a response. The head of the Houthi media office posted on X that the group had “shut down Riyadh international airport.” The precise circumstances of the strike have not been independently established.
Trump considers joining Saudi strikes
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump left open the possibility of American participation in Saudi military action against the Houthis.
“We may. We’re going to look at it,” he said when asked whether Washington would join the strikes.
Later Saturday, Trump said he planned to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also acknowledged the American citizen’s death and condemned the attack.
The potential US response comes as Saudi Arabia supports Yemeni government forces fighting the Houthis. The latest offensive has intensified a conflict that had been relatively quiet under a truce before fighting resumed in July.
Repeated attacks disrupt Riyadh airport
Saturday’s strike followed two earlier attacks on the airport that week, which killed four people and badly damaged a Saudi commercial aircraft, Reuters reported. Flights bound for Riyadh were diverted or canceled after the latest attack.
An injured traveler told Reuters they saw an object cross the sky outside the airport before part of the ceiling near a departure gate collapsed. The news agency also verified video showing ambulances at the facility.
The US Embassy has urged Americans to avoid the airport and surrounding areas.
In its October 10 travel advisory, the State Department maintained its recommendation that Americans reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing risks including missile and drone attacks and armed conflict. US government employees require special authorization to use King Khalid International Airport, and American citizens are advised to take similar precautions.
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