HighLights
  1. Deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills 12, injures 300
  2. US President Trump considers joining Saudi military strikes on Houthis.
  3. Mecca Joint Defence Agreement activated, signaling potential conflict escalation.

Saudi-Houthi Conflict: A deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has raised tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The attack on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the attack which has raised the possibility of further military action.

Attack Disrupts Airport Operations

According to Reuters, Saturday’s attack was the third reported attack on Riyadh’s international airport in the same week. The earlier incidents also caused deaths and damaged a Saudia Airlines aircraft parked at the airport. Following the latest strike, all flights have been diverted or cancelled, and airport operations were temporarily suspended for safety checks.

Is The Conflict Reaching A Turning Point?

The latest airport attack is likely to mark a serious new phase in the conflict as it has caused heavy civilian casualties and disrupted a major international transport hub. Saudi Arabia’s military coalition has vowed to respond. The attack also comes at a time when the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was activated on October 5, between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.

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Under the pact, an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all three. Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to provide military support and assist with reconnaissance, while Saudi forces would lead the fighting. The latest Houthi attack on Riyadh airport could test the agreement’s role in Saudi Arabia’s defence amid growing regional tensions.

The escalation comes after the 2022 Saudi-Houthi ceasefire, which helped reduce fighting between the two sides, effectively collapsed this year. Tensions rose after Saudi Arabia bombed the runway at Sana’a International Airport to block an Iranian-owned plane in July.

Trump Says US May Join Saudi Strikes

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has also advised American citizens to stay away from the airport and nearby areas. Separately, the UK and Canadian authorities also issued travel warnings. US President Donald Trump has hinted that Washington was considering joining Saudi Arabia in military strikes against the Houthis. "We may. We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent ⁠attack, so we'll make a decision. We move very quickly," he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia in a post on X. He said, “The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the terrorist Houthis, including today’s strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that took numerous innocent lives, including an American citizen. These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now.”

“We stand with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people and extend our condolences to the victims and their families,” Rubio added.

ALSO READ: Why Riyadh Is Suddenly In The Line Of Fire: How Houthis Became Part Of Iran War | Explained


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