Trump Says US May Join Saudi Strikes on Houthis After Deadly Riyadh Airport Attack

US President Donald Trump has said Washington may join Saudi Arabia’s military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed 12 people and injured more than 300 others.

Trump left the possibility open on Saturday when reporters asked whether the United States would participate in the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis.

“We may. We’re going to look at it,” Trump said, adding that a decision would be made quickly following the latest attack. He did not announce a commitment to direct US military involvement.

Saudi authorities said Saturday’s strike killed 12 people, including four Saudi nationals and eight foreign nationals, among them a US citizen. The civil aviation authority reported 309 people injured, some critically, while airport operations were suspended as officials assessed the damage and security situation.

The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Iran-backed Houthi movement for the attack and warned of a firm response. However, the Houthis had not immediately claimed responsibility for Saturday’s deadly strike.

The situation escalated further on Sunday when the coalition reported that another projectile had struck a passenger terminal at the airport. Officials had not immediately provided details of casualties or damage from the latest incident. The airport remained closed as the security situation developed.

The Houthis subsequently renewed warnings to airlines, airport employees and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, saying the facilities were vulnerable to further attacks. The warning came amid an intensification of fighting between the group and forces backed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.

The latest violence is part of a wider regional conflict involving Iran and its adversaries. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military role in Yemen, supporting forces aligned with the internationally recognised government as they seek to reverse Houthi territorial gains. The Houthis have responded with attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and other strategic sites.

Washington’s potential involvement could widen the conflict and increase pressure on regional security and commercial transport. The fighting also raises concerns about shipping through the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major route for international trade and energy supplies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the airport attack, while international officials expressed concern over the civilian casualties and the danger of further escalation. Saudi Arabia has faced mounting pressure to protect its infrastructure as attacks continue.

For now, Trump’s remarks signal that direct US participation remains under consideration rather than confirmed policy. Any decision to join the Saudi strikes could mark a significant development in the conflict and raise the risk of a broader military confrontation involving the Houthis and their regional adversaries.